Kirk Cousins returns to the Minnesota Vikings in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2027 third-round draft pick.
The midday Tuesday trade reshuffles the Minnesota quarterback room and instantly installs Cousins as the starter. Max Brosmer will undoubtedly be waived and could return to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Cousins Returns to Lambeau
Cousins steps back into Kevin O’Connell’s system after last operating it in 2023, when he put up big numbers prior to rupturing his Achilles at Lambeau Field. His first game back with the Vikings comes against Green Bay at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
Cousins has a chance to revive an offense that has been asleep for a year and a half, make Justin Jefferson happy, and complement the NFL’s most dominant defense. This could be enough to keep Minnesota in the Super Bowl conversation.
Injuries and Backups in Minnesota
Behind Cousins, the depth chart features Carson Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick from the 2016 draft, and Kyler Murray, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2019 draft. Wentz left Monday night’s loss to the Bills with a left ankle injury, having had it taped and staying in the game until the final offensive possession.
Meanwhile, Murray is dealing with a reported Grade 2 hamstring strain that may not leave him healthy enough to be the backup this week against the Packers.
Murray signed a one-year, veteran minimum contract with Minnesota with hopes of playing well enough to earn a lucrative free agent contract next spring. Instead, he has been forced into a backup role after only five starts.
O’Connell said last week that Murray would get the starting job back from Wentz as soon as he was healthy. The situation has changed, and that starting job has vanished.
