The Minnesota Vikings have acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick, reuniting the 38-year-old with his former team in a bid to revive a struggling offense. Cousins, who threw 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions for the Raiders this season, returns to Minnesota where he played from 2018 to 2023, earning three Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL with eight game-winning drives in 2022.
Vikings receive B- grade
The Vikings' offense has scored only 11 touchdowns this season, tied for the fewest in the NFL. Offseason addition Kyler Murray and backup Carson Wentz have both struggled, with Murray ranking near the bottom in major passing categories and Wentz throwing for just 81 yards with two interceptions in a start. Cousins' negative play rate is down to 6.7% and his sack rate to 9.8%, both on pace for career bests. His passing success rates exceed Murray's across overall (50% vs 39%), throws between the numbers (57% vs 52%), 10-20 yard throws (57% vs 44%), and play-action (60% vs 48%). The move should benefit star receiver Justin Jefferson, though the offensive line and running game remain concerns — Minnesota's running backs rank 31st in missed tackles forced and 26th in EPA per rush. The Vikings retain a 2025 third-round pick from the Eagles via the Jonathan Greenard trade.
Raiders earn A grade
Las Vegas went 4-5 under Cousins and ranked eighth in points per drive despite one of the league's worst running games and youngest receiver groups. Cousins leaned heavily on tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. The Raiders now turn to quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who will make his first start in Week 10 against Seattle. The trade yields a top-100 draft pick for a player who exceeded his placeholder role, representing a 99th-percentile outcome for the rebuilding Raiders.
