Vikings acquire Kirk Cousins from Raiders for 2027 pick

The Minnesota Vikings acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2027 third-round draft pick, bringing him back to the team after two consecutive losses and a poor performance by Carson Wentz. The trade returns Cousins to Minnesota, where he played from 2018 through 2023. The Raiders are turning to rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 draft.

Wentz completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions, in Minnesota’s 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He started in place of Kyler Murray, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury, according to reports. The defeat followed another Vikings loss after a 6-0 start, intensifying concerns about the team’s quarterback play.

Cousins has thrown for 2,340 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, with eight interceptions, according to the reports. The 38-year-old had been starting for Las Vegas as the Raiders developed Mendoza. The Raiders’ decision to trade him leaves Mendoza with an opportunity to take over, though the reports described the rookie’s development as the team’s plan before the deal.

Minnesota is reuniting Cousins with head coach Kevin O’Connell, who...