Kirk Cousins Traded to Vikings From Raiders, Full Details Revealed in Latest NFL Rumors

The Minnesota Vikings added a familiar face on the trade market.

The Vikings acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick on Tuesday, the team announced. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer was first to report the news.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Cousins was the "focal point" of Minnesota's search for a quarterback, with head coach Kevin O'Connell making it "very clear to ownership" that the veteran passer was the team's top target.

According to Schultz, the Vikings also inquired about the Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert, Indianapolis Colts' Daniel Jones and New York Jets' Geno Smith before acquiring Cousins.

"The Colts listened but did not want to move Jones, while the Jets felt Smith was too important to the team and the development of other players," Schultz wrote.

"The Chargers, I'm told, immediately shut down all inquiries for Herbert, who also has a no-trade clause."

Cousins previously played for the Vikings from 2018-23.

Minnesota's interest in the 38-year-old was evident leading up to the swap, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier on Tuesday that the team identified Cousins as "a prime trade candidate."

Minnesota opened the 2026 season with a 6-0 record and still sits at 6-2, although the team had dealt with inconsistency from the quarterback position.

Kyler Murray started six games for the Vikings this year, but only compiled an 86.6 passer rating and is currently sidelined due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

Backup Carson Wentz started Minnesota's matchup with the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, but struggled mightily throughout the 23-6 loss. Wentz finished 8-of-25 for 81 yards and two interceptions.

The Vikings will hope for more stability under center with Cousins back in the mix, as he earned three Pro Bowl nods across his six seasons on the team. He also helped Minnesota make two playoff appearances.

This year, Cousins has completed 64.1 percent of his throws for 2,340 yards and 20 touchdowns compared to eight interceptions. He's been a key piece of a Las Vegas offense that ranks No. 8 in the NFL by averaging 26.4 points per game.

For the Raiders, they'll now turn to rookie Fernando Mendoza at quarterback after losing five of their past six games following a 3-0 start to the season.

Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, has appeared in one contest as a reserve this year. He's completed six of his eight pass attempts for 48 yards.

Mendoza also suited up in three preseason games, throwing for 240 yards and one touchdown while getting picked off twice.