Kirk Cousins, quarterback of the Las Vegas Raiders, has been traded back to the Minnesota Vikings in a major deal. The trade occurred ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The Vikings acquired Cousins in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick. The move reunites Cousins with his former coach Kevin O'Connell and star receiver Justin Jefferson.
The Raiders received the third-round pick in the trade. The value of the pick was estimated at around $650,000. The trade allows the Raiders to move forward with their No. 1 draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, as their starting quarterback. Mendoza is expected to take over the role previously held by Cousins.
Cousins expressed mixed emotions about the trade. He had joined the Raiders in 2025 after spending several seasons with the Vikings. The trade comes after a season where he played for the Raiders. The decision to move Cousins back to the Vikings was seen as a significant shift in his career.
The trade was one of the most notable moves of the 2026 NFL trade deadline. It highlights the ongoing adjustments in the league as teams reshuffle their rosters. The Vikings' acquisition of Cousins is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their quarterback position.
This trade marks a turning point for Cousins, who now returns to a team he previously played for. It also signals a new direction for the Raiders, who are now focusing on developing their young talent. The outcome of this trade will be closely watched as the season approaches.
