Kirk Cousins returns to Vikings in trade for third-round pick

Quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to rejoin the Minnesota Vikings after three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, with the Raiders receiving a third-round pick in the deal. Cousins previously spent five seasons (2018-2023) with Minnesota, earning three Pro Bowl selections and posting a career passer rating of 101.2, 171 touchdowns and 55 interceptions. During that stint the Vikings reached the playoffs twice but never advanced beyond the divisional round.

The Vikings, currently 6-2 but ranking near the bottom of the league in offensive production, have been dealing with injuries to quarterbacks Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz. Their offense averages 18.3 points per game, the 27th-best total, and ranks 31st in passing. Head coach Kevin O'Connell reportedly advocated strongly for acquiring an experienced quarterback to improve the team’s playoff prospects.

Cousins, who previously worked with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, is expected to help lift the Vikings’ offense. Prior to the trade, Minnesota also explored options with quarterbacks Justin Herbert, Daniel Jones and Geno Smith, but those inquiries did not result in agreements. The Raiders are anticipated to turn to first-overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza as their future franchise quarterback after Cousins posted a 4-5 record with 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions for Las Vegas.