Vikings Announce Change After Kirk Cousins Move

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Announce Change After Kirk Cousins Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 12, 2026 4:26 PM ET

Kirk Cousins is officially back with the Minnesota Vikings. The 38-year-old veteran quarterback was traded from the Las Vegas Raiders back to Minnesota at the NFL trade deadline.

Minnesota made the move to address their struggling and banged-up quarterback room. While Kyler Murray started off as the starter, he had been inefficient and is also currently unavailable as he attempts to recover from a hamstring strain.

Carson Wentz had been operating as the backup but struggled mightily during Monday Night Football in a loss against the Buffalo Bills, prompting Minnesota to make the move for a reunion with Cousins.

It was an easy decision for Las Vegas, who got back a third-round pick from Minnesota and can now give an opportunity to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Cousins had some bright moments in Minnesota from 2018-2023, including three Pro Bowl selections. It was the best he has ever played in his career and his top moments came playing with the organization.

Cousins is expected to start this week, however it was unclear what number he would wear. Cousins wore No. 8 during his previous run with Minnesota but that number had been occupied by rookie safety Jakobe Thomas.

After some negotiations, the Vikings announced that Thomas would be making a change to wear No. 6 to give way for Cousins to get back No. 8.

QB Kirk Cousins will wear #8 and S Jakobe Thomas will wear #6
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 12, 2026

Cousins has worn other numbers in his career, but he previously wore No. 8 for the Vikings so fans won’t have to buy a new jersey to support Cousins. The Vikings have a talented team in place around him, who will get another opportunity to go on a postseason run.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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