# Vikings Reacquire Kirk Cousins from Raiders to Salvage Struggling Offense

Minnesota trades a 2027 third-round pick to bring back their former veteran quarterback.

- **Source:** [CBS Sports – NFL](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl)
- **Published:** 2026-11-10
- **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports)
- **Original article:** <
                                                https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/kirk-cousins-trade-grades-vikings-raiders-fernando-mendoza/
                    >
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9c743f3d-6d26-4560-92e5-a318b10e27da

## Strategic Quarterback Reunion

The Minnesota Vikings have reacquired 38-year-old quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders. In exchange, Minnesota sent a 2027 third-round draft pick to Las Vegas. This move marks a return for Cousins, who previously played for the Vikings from 2018 through 2023, earning four Pro Bowl selections during his career.

## Addressing Offensive Stagnation

Minnesota’s offense has struggled significantly, recording only 11 offensive touchdowns this season, which ties the Chargers for the fewest in the NFL. Previous attempts to stabilize the position with Kyler Murray and veteran backup Carson Wentz failed to produce results. Murray struggled in major passing categories, while Wentz threw two interceptions.

## Evaluating Recent Performance

Before the trade, Cousins was experiencing a productive year in Las Vegas with 20 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions. His negative play rate currently sits at 6.7 percent, which is on pace for a career best. Additionally, he is being sacked on only 9.8 percent of his dropbacks, showing improved mobility.

## Systemic Tactical Fit

Cousins is expected to integrate seamlessly into Kevin O'Connell’s scheme, which prioritizes intermediate throws and play-action passing. Unlike Murray, who struggled to adapt, Cousins has a proven history of attacking the middle of the field. This familiarity with the offensive system is central to the team's hope for immediate improvement.

## Raiders Pivot to Mendoza

With Cousins departing for Minnesota, the Las Vegas Raiders are shifting their focus to Fernando Mendoza. The team hopes the Mendoza era will provide long-term stability and positive development for the franchise. The Raiders received a 2027 third-round pick for the veteran, a move that provides them with future draft capital.

## Lingering Roster Challenges

Despite the quarterback change, Minnesota faces deep-seated issues in the running game. Their running backs currently rank 31st in forced missed tackles and 26th in EPA per rush. Furthermore, the offensive line has performed inconsistently, meaning Cousins alone may not be enough to resolve all of the team's current offensive deficiencies.

## Physical and Schedule Demands

Cousins faces a rigorous path ahead, as he must navigate an 18-game regular season without a bye week. While his accuracy has declined slightly from his peak years, he remains a significant upgrade over the previous rotation. His physical durability following his past Achilles injury remains a key factor for the postseason.

## Impact on Key Personnel

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is considered the primary beneficiary of this trade, as Cousins is expected to better utilize his playmaking abilities. Minnesota retains an additional third-round pick from the Eagles via the Jonathan Greenard trade, providing some flexibility. The team is now fully committed to salvaging their current season.

## Sources covering this story

- [ESPN – Top — Vikings Target Raiders Quarterback Kirk Cousins for Potential Trade](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50444360/sources-vikings-id-qb-kirk-cousins-prime-trade-target)
- [ESPN – NFL — Vikings Target Raiders Quarterback Kirk Cousins for Potential Trade](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50444360/sources-vikings-id-qb-kirk-cousins-prime-trade-target)
- CBS Sports – NFL — Kirk Cousins Traded to Vikings as Raiders Pivot to Fernando Mendoza
- https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/kirk-cousins-trade-grades-vikings-raiders-fernando-mendoza/ — 
- [SB Nation — Vikings Acquire Kirk Cousins from Raiders in Mid-Season Trade](https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1135888/kirk-cousins-trade-grades-raiders-vikings-qb-for-draft-pick)
- [ESPN – NFL — Fernando Mendoza Named Raiders Starting Quarterback](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50447756/raiders-name-fernando-mendoza-starting-qb-trading-kirk-cousins)
- CBS Sports – NFL — Kirk Cousins Traded to Vikings After Raiders Grant Player Choice
- https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/kirk-cousins-traded-vikings-raiders-gave-option-stay-leave-franchise-per-report/ — 
- [ESPN – Top — Kirk Cousins Reunites with Vikings After Trade Deal](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50455771/kirk-cousins-reintroduced-vikings-starting-qb)
- [ESPN – NFL — Kirk Cousins Reunites with Vikings After Trade Deal](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50455771/kirk-cousins-reintroduced-vikings-starting-qb)

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._