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In a rare financial arrangement, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will receive compensation from three different NFL franchises during the 2026 season. The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to trade Cousins back to the Minnesota Vikings, the team with which he spent six seasons from 2018 to 2022.
The Atlanta Falcons, who inked Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in 2024, remain on the hook for $8.7 million owed to him for 2026. Meanwhile, the Raiders will cover the remainder of his $1.3 million base salary and a $10 million roster bonus due in the spring, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.
Minnesota's decision to pursue Cousins came swiftly after a dismal showing by quarterback Carson Wentz in a 23-6 home loss to the Buffalo Bills. Wentz completed just 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. He had been starting in place of injured Week 1 starter Kyler Murray.
The Vikings, who began the season 6-0 before dropping their next two games, have struggled to find offensive consistency even during their undefeated start. They are hoping Cousins can provide the spark they need.
Before the trade, Cousins had started nine games for the Raiders in 2026, throwing for 2,340 yards and 20 touchdowns against eight interceptions while completing 64.1 percent of his passes. In his previous stint with Minnesota, he amassed 23,265 passing yards and 171 touchdowns with 55 interceptions over 88 games (all starts), leading the team to two playoff appearances.
Key Analysis
The trade underscores the complex financial dynamics of NFL contracts, with three teams sharing the burden of Cousins' salary. It also highlights the Vikings' urgency to stabilize their quarterback situation after a promising start gave way to uncertainty. Cousins' familiarity with the organization and his proven production could be exactly what Minnesota needs to stay competitive in a crowded NFC playoff race.
Originally reported by yahoo.