LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Raiders traded veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, clearing the path for rookie Fernando Mendoza to take over as the starting signal-caller.
Las Vegas received a 2027 third-round draft pick in exchange for Cousins, according to reports from NFL insider Jordan Schultz and ESPN. Under the terms of the transaction, Minnesota takes on Cousins’ minimum base salary for the remainder of the season, along with a $10 million guaranteed roster bonus due in March, Schultz reported.
The move ends Cousins’ brief tenure in Nevada after just nine games. General Manager John Spytek made the decision after signing Cousins to a deal that cost Las Vegas roughly $650,000, according to team reporter Alexa Belcastro. NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that Cousins met with Raiders coaches, including Klint Kubiak, as well as teammates to bid farewell before departing.
Reunion in Minnesota
For Minnesota, the acquisition addresses an urgent need under center. Head coach Kevin O’Connell made Cousins his primary target following the team’s 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, Schultz reported. That defeat saw Carson Wentz complete just eight of 25 passes for 81 yards and two interceptions after starter Kyler Murray suffered an injury, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
Cousins previously spent six seasons with the Vikings, earning three Pro Bowl selections and playing under O’Connell during his final two years with the franchise. Minnesota had two third-round picks entering the deadline, enabling the team to execute the deal quickly once talks accelerated Tuesday morning.
The Fernando Mendoza Era Begins
By moving Cousins, Las Vegas officially pivots toward its future. The Raiders selected Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after he won the 2025 Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a national championship. The rookie has seen limited action during the regular season, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards without a touchdown or interception in his lone appearance.
Team officials had grown increasingly confident that Mendoza was ready to handle starting duties, Breer reported. Las Vegas entered the deadline with a 4-5 record, having previously endured a four-game losing streak that highlighted broader offensive inconsistencies.
Mendoza will lean heavily on tight end Brock Bowers, who remains the focal point of the Raiders’ passing attack. Running back Ashton Jeanty also offers a dependable outlet out of the backfield with a league-leading 42 receptions among running backs, while wide receiver Tre Tucker will adjust to a new passer downfield.
Difficult Early Slate Ahead
The rookie faces an immediate test against two of the league’s top-performing defenses. Las Vegas hosts the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Sunday before matching up against the 7-2 Denver Broncos. Seattle ranks fifth in points allowed this season with 162, while Denver ranks 10th with 186.
Whether Mendoza can jump-start the Raiders’ postseason hopes remains to be seen, but the franchise has committed to evaluating its prized draft pick against premier competition. Las Vegas kicks off against Seattle at 4:05 p.m. Eastern time Sunday on CBS.
