Vikings’ Cousins Decision Nearly Collapsed Before Final Call

WHO:

Heavy NFL - The Minnesota Vikings traded for quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is returning to the team for a second stint.

Newsweek - Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Cousins would start against Green Bay.

Heavy NFL - NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Minnesota had inquired about Justin Herbert and Daniel Jones, among other quarterbacks.

Pro Football Network - Amy Trask, a former Raiders CEO, questioned the timing of Cousins’ departure; the article also names Fernando Mendoza.

WHAT:

Heavy NFL - Minnesota traded for Cousins shortly before the trade deadline. The article says the deal was close to falling through before a “critical moment.”

Heavy NFL - Minnesota gave the Las Vegas Raiders a 2027 third-round pick for Cousins.

Heavy NFL - Cousins was described as being treated as the “missing piece” during both of his stints with Minnesota.

Heavy NFL - The Vikings were 6-2 when they acquired Cousins; the article said they could argue they should have been 8-0 if they had received average quarterback play.

Newsweek - O’Connell confirmed Cousins would start against the Packers.

Heavy NFL - Minnesota announced Cousins would start against Green Bay in a Week 10 matchup.

Heavy NFL - The Vikings were reportedly interested in other quarterbacks before acquiring Cousins.

Pro Football Network - Trask questioned the timing of Cousins’ departure as Mendoza prepared to face Seattle, Denver, and Cleveland before the Raiders’ bye.

WHERE:

Heavy NFL - Minnesota acquired Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders.

Heavy NFL; Newsweek - Cousins was set to face the Green Bay Packers.

WHY:

Heavy NFL - Minnesota sought quarterback production it hoped could help the team reach the playoffs.

HOW:

Heavy NFL - The Vikings completed the acquisition by trading a 2027 third-round pick to the Raiders.

Heavy NFL - Schultz’s report said Minnesota’s inquiries into other quarterbacks were based on information from multiple league sources.

Minnesota traded for quarterback Kirk Cousins, sending Las Vegas a 2027 third-round pick. Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Cousins will start against Green Bay. The Vikings had explored other quarterback options, seeking production to strengthen their playoff chances.