Vikings bring back Kirk Cousins in deadline trade with Raiders

Kirk Cousins is returning to the Minnesota Vikings after a deadline-day agreement with the Las Vegas Raiders, who will receive Minnesota's third-round pick in the 2027 draft. The Associated Press reported that the deal remains subject to a physical examination, bringing the 38-year-old quarterback back to a team seeking to repair its passing offense.

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Minnesota's need became more pressing in Monday's 23-6 defeat by Buffalo. With Kyler Murray unavailable because of a hamstring strain, Carson Wentz completed eight of 25 passes for 81 yards and threw two interceptions. AP reported that Max Brosmer replaced Wentz midway through the fourth quarter, with Wentz also dealing with an ankle injury.

The struggles extend beyond that single game. According to NFL.com, Minnesota ranks 27th in scoring and 31st in both total offense and passing, despite leading the league in scoring defense. The Vikings have managed no more than 16 points in five of their eight games, including each of their last three, leaving a pronounced gap between the two units.

Cousins arrives after producing 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions for Las Vegas, which has a 4-5 record. NFL.com reported those figures as the Raiders moved toward handing their offense to Fernando Mendoza. The first overall selection in the 2026 draft has appeared once this season, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards against New England.

For Cousins, the move restores a partnership with head coach Kevin O'Connell, who coached his final two seasons during his previous Minnesota spell. NFL Network's reporting noted that Cousins passed for 4,547 yards and 29 touchdowns, with 14 interceptions, as the Vikings went 13-4 in 2022. His first stint with the franchise ran from 2018 through 2023.

The Vikings are still 6-2 after winning their first six games, AP reported, and next visit Green Bay on Sunday. Whether Cousins is ready to play immediately remains an open question. Lambeau Field was also the venue where he suffered the Achilles injury that ended his 2023 season, making it a familiar setting if his return begins this weekend.