NFL18 hr ago
Vikings Trade for Kirk Cousins from Raiders
Minnesota reached out before Monday night loss and landed the quarterback with a third-round pick.
· 1 min read
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Trade Talks Move Quickly
The Vikings first contacted the Raiders about Kirk Cousins midday Monday, hours before their game against the Bills. They made clear they wanted to wait and see how the matchup played out. After the offensive struggles that night, Minnesota called again before 6 a.m. PT the next morning. The initial offer of a fifth-round pick did not interest the Raiders, but an improved third-round pick changed the conversation.
Raiders Weigh the Benefits
The Raiders did not want to make the deal, yet they saw value in receiving the third-round selection while shifting the bonus guarantee owed to Cousins, freeing up $10 million in cash for the 2027 season. They also noted that 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza had looked strong in practice. Cousins is set to start Sunday against the Packers at Lambeau Field, while Mendoza will make his first career start against the Seahawks.
League Addresses Trade Issues
The competition committee plans to discuss solutions after several recent trades were voided or altered. Executives have raised concerns that agreed terms should not be negotiable afterward, and some believe draft-pick changes should be limited to simple acceptance or rejection once a deal is reached.
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