Vikings Bring Back Cousins as Raiders Hand Mendoza the Job

The Vikings acquired Cousins from the Raiders for a third-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, with Minnesota planning to make him its starting quarterback. The move came just before the NFL trade deadline on November 10, sending Cousins back to the team he played for from 2018 through 2023.

Cousins is expected to take over ahead of Kyler Murray, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, and Carson Wentz. He already spent two seasons working with Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, giving him familiarity with the team’s offense as he joins during the season.

The trade also clears the way for Mendoza to start for Las Vegas. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 draft and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is expected to make his regular-season debut against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10. He had been backing up Cousins.

Minnesota is looking for a steadier offense after a difficult run of quarterback changes. Murray has been limited by injuries and the offense has struggled, while Cousins brings a mix of strong and uneven performances: he has thrown 20 touchdown passes and eight interceptions this season, including three interceptions against San Francisco last weekend.

For the Raiders, the deal brings a draft pick and an immediate opportunity for Mendoza to begin his NFL career. For the Vikings, Cousins is a familiar option intended to improve a quarterback situation that has complicated the team’s efforts to win consistently.