players_bio
According to league sources who spoke with ESPN and NFL Network, the Minnesota Vikings made their first inquiry to the Las Vegas Raiders regarding a potential trade for quarterback Kirk Cousins at midday on Monday, just hours before Minnesota faced the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.
During that initial conversation, the Vikings communicated to the Raiders that they wanted to see how Monday night's game unfolded before continuing any discussions about Cousins, but indicated they would reach out again if necessary.
After Minnesota's offensive struggles in that game, the Vikings wasted no time: they called the Raiders again before 6 a.m. PT the following morning, setting the stage for a potential Cousins trade.
The Raiders were not actively seeking such a deal, and Minnesota's first offer—a fifth-round draft pick—did little to change their stance, per sources.
However, when the Vikings raised their offer to a third-round pick, the Raiders engaged in internal discussions about whether the trade made sense. They ultimately concluded that the deal would not only bring them a third-round pick but also free up $10 million in cash for the 2027 season, as the bonus guarantee owed to Cousins would transfer to Minnesota.
While the Raiders did not relish making the trade, they believed it was in the best interests of the organization.
The Raiders also hold a high opinion of 2026 No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, who has been described by one source as 'phenomenal' in practice.
There was never going to be an ideal moment to insert Mendoza into the starting lineup, but Minnesota's approach created an opportunity that the Raiders found as good as any.
Cousins is set to start on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, while Mendoza will make his first career start against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Key Analysis
The sequence of events highlights the Vikings' urgency to upgrade at quarterback after a disappointing offensive performance, and the Raiders' willingness to accommodate a trade only when the compensation and financial flexibility aligned with their long-term interests. The move also signals the Raiders' confidence in Mendoza's readiness to take over as the starting quarterback, even if the timing was accelerated by Minnesota's persistence.
Originally reported by players_bio.