Details On Kirk Cousins Trade Talks

Wentz, who was filling in for the injured Kyler Murray, completed just eight of his 25 pass attempts for 85 yards and two interceptions in Week 9. Had Wentz turned in a “passable” performance against Buffalo, the Vikings might not have felt compelled to trade for Cousins, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. They may have been inclined to ride it out with Wentz until Murray returned from his hamstring injury, but that’s now a moot point.

Minnesota first called the Raiders about Cousins last week, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano, who adds that the Vikings didn’t sense that he was available before Sunday. After reengaging with the Raiders on Tuesday, the Vikings first offered a 2027 fifth-round pick that could have become a third based on their performance, Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reports. The Raiders, however, were insistent on receiving an unconditional third-rounder. Notably, after the Vikings agreed to give up a third, Raiders general manager John Spytek allowed Cousins to decide whether he wanted to stay or go, Pelissero relays.

“So much respect for John Spytek and the Raiders organization,” Mike McCartney, Cousins’ agent, told Pelissero. “There aren’t many leaders in this league who would’ve done that. Very appreciative of Spy.”

Although the 38-year-old Cousins enjoyed his nine-game run with the Raiders, he elected to head back to Minnesota after talking it over with his family, McCartney and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connnell, per Pelissero. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, earned his most recent nod while playing for O’Connell in 2022.

In addition to Cousins, a report on Tuesday indicated the Vikings inquired about the Chargers’ Justin Herbert, the Colts’ Daniel Jones and the Jets’ Geno Smith. None of those three ended up going anywhere, nor did 49ers backup Mac Jones. It’s not clear if the Vikings called about Jones, but Pelissero indicates it would have taken a big offer for the NFC-leading 49ers to trade him to another team in their conference. That’s to be expected, especially with the 7-1 49ers trying to hold off the 6-2 Vikings.

Atlanta pried Cousins from Minnesota with a four-year, $180MM offer in 2024. Now reuniting with the Vikings, Cousins – whom the Falcons are paying $8.7MM after releasing him last offseason – will only count $650K against their cap. The two-year, $80MM pact he signed with the Raiders in April includes a $10MM roster bonus that will become guaranteed on the fifth day of the league year in 2027. The Vikings will decide on that in March, but for now, they’ll hope Cousins wakes up an offense that has failed to complement an elite defense this year.

With Cousins out of the picture, the 4-5 Raiders are handing the keys to touted rookie Fernando Mendoza. The No. 1 overall pick will take the reins against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks on Sunday.