Kirk Cousins is returning to the Minnesota Vikings after the team acquired the veteran quarterback from the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of the NFL trade deadline on November 10, 2026. Minnesota sent a third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to Las Vegas in exchange for the 38-year-old quarterback, bringing him back to the franchise where he spent six seasons.
The move comes as the Vikings look to strengthen their offense following a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Cousins, who played for Minnesota from 2018 through 2023, is expected to provide experience and stability as the team competes for a playoff position in the NFC North.
Vikings Acquire Cousins in Deadline Trade
The Vikings announced the agreement on Tuesday, November 10, shortly before the league’s trade deadline. Both teams confirmed that the transaction was pending Cousins passing a physical examination.
Minnesota entered the trade deadline with a 6-2 record but faced growing concerns about its quarterback situation. Carson Wentz struggled during the loss to Buffalo on November 9, completing eight passes for 81 yards and throwing two interceptions.
Cousins previously worked with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, giving him familiarity with the team’s offensive system. His return also reunites him with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, one of Minnesota’s most important offensive players.
The Vikings are scheduled to face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 15. Cousins is expected to start the divisional matchup, although his participation remains subject to completing the transition to his new team.
Kirk Cousins’ Performance With the Raiders
Cousins joined Las Vegas in April 2026 after the Atlanta Falcons released him in March. He became the Raiders’ starting quarterback under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak, who previously worked with Cousins in Minnesota.
The veteran started all nine games for Las Vegas before the trade. He completed 202 of 315 passes for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions, recording a 97.1 passer rating.
Cousins also scored two rushing touchdowns during his time with the Raiders.
His final game for Las Vegas came against the San Francisco 49ers on November 8. He threw three interceptions in the defeat, raising questions about whether the Raiders would move forward with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza, the first overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, had served as Cousins’ backup during the opening nine games. Following the trade, Las Vegas moved toward making Mendoza its starting quarterback.
His Previous Six Seasons in Minnesota
Cousins originally joined the Vikings in 2018 after spending six seasons with Washington. He became Minnesota’s starting quarterback and developed a strong connection with several key offensive players.
One of his most successful seasons came in 2022, when he threw for 4,547 yards and earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection. Minnesota finished the regular season with 13 victories under O’Connell.
His final season with the Vikings ended prematurely on October 29, 2023, when he suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a game against Green Bay.
Cousins subsequently signed a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024. His time in Atlanta lasted two seasons before the organization released him in March 2026.
Career Statistics and NFL Experience
Cousins entered the NFL in 2012 after Washington selected him in the fourth round of the draft out of Michigan State University.
Across his NFL career through nine games of the 2026 season, he has appeared in 183 regular-season games, including 176 starts.
He has completed 4,136 passes for 47,040 yards and 318 touchdowns. His career statistics also include 139 interceptions, 22 rushing touchdowns and a 96.8 passer rating.
The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback has played for Washington, Minnesota, Atlanta and Las Vegas during his 15 NFL seasons.
Cousins Prepares for His Vikings Return
The trade also creates an upcoming matchup against one of Cousins’ former teams. The Vikings are scheduled to host the Atlanta Falcons on November 29, giving the quarterback an opportunity to face the franchise that released him earlier this year.
Minnesota’s immediate focus remains its November 15 game against Green Bay. The Vikings are attempting to maintain their position in a competitive NFC North division.
Cousins is back with Minnesota following the trade agreement with Las Vegas, with the transaction subject to his physical examination. His expected return to the starting lineup will be a major development for the Vikings as they enter the second half of the regular season.