Sources: Vikings have identified Raiders QB Kirk Cousins as prime trade target

The Minnesota Vikings confirmed they traded a 2027 third-round draft pick to the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire 38-year-old quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of the trade deadline. The trade is pending a physical, according to CBS News and other reports. Cousins previously played six seasons for Minnesota starting in 2018 as an unrestricted free agent before his last season was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon. He subsequently spent two years with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Raiders. The Chicago Sun-Times notes that Cousins is from Barrington and played for the team from 2018 to 2023.

So far this season, Cousins has recorded 202 completions for 2,340 yards with 20 touchdowns. According to CBS News, he ranks second only to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in touchdowns and fifth in pass yards, though he recently threw three interceptions in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. With Cousins arriving in Minnesota, the Las Vegas Raiders are poised to give the offensive reins to their No. 1 pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, as reported by CBS News and Fox News.

Minnesota's quarterback situation prompted the move after struggles and injuries. Kyler Murray suffered multiple injuries this season, including a concussion in the first regular-season game and a hamstring injury in Week 8 against the Lions. Carson Wentz started the Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills, resulting in an abysmal performance and a loss that brought a chorus of boos from fans at U.S. Bank Stadium. During that game, Wentz completed 8 of 25 passes with two interceptions before being benched for Max Brosmer, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Earlier in September, the Vikings also traded former first-round pick quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth-round pick.

It remains uncertain if Cousins will start against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at noon, though CBS News notes he brings extensive knowledge of head coach Kevin O'Connell's offensive scheme. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Vikings slipped into a tie for second place with the Lions at 6-2 following their home loss to the Bills, while the Bears lead the NFC North at 7-2.