Kirk Cousins to Make NFL History with Ultra Rare Stat After Trade to Vikings from Raiders

Kirk Cousins is about to make NFL history.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the veteran will become the first quarterback to start back-to-back weeks for different teams since the starting stat was officially measured beginning in 1950 when he takes the field for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Cousins started the Las Vegas Raiders' game against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday before the AFC West team traded him to Minnesota.

What's more, Schefter noted Cousins will also become the first signal-caller in NFL history to start a playoff game for one team after starting for another during that season if the Vikings do reach the postseason.

Whether Minnesota does reach the playoffs will likely depend largely on Cousins' play.

After all, they have a dominant defense that is first in the league in points allowed per game and second in yards allowed per game. That unit is a primary reason the team is 6-2 and in the middle of the playoff picture.

Yet quarterback play has been a concern.

Kyler Murray had just five touchdown passes to three interceptions in six games before he was sidelined by a hamstring injury. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported Saturday that Murray is still "a couple of weeks away" from returning.

Carson Wentz played in his spot during the team's matchup with the Buffalo Bills and went 8-for-25 passing for 81 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions. That game happened right before the NFL's trade deadline, which underscored the need to do something at the position so the defense didn't go to waste.

Enter Cousins.

The four-time Pro Bowler previously played for the Vikings from 2018 through 2023, so he is familiar with head coach Kevin O'Connell's system and has chemistry with go-to receiver Justin Jefferson.

It should be a fairly smooth transition for him after arriving from the Raiders, which will allow him to make history Sunday when the Vikings put him right into the starting lineup for a key divisional game against the Packers.

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