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The Vikings had the possibility of Kirk Cousins’ return already on their minds ahead of their 23-6 loss on “Monday Night Football” to the Bills.
Minnesota (6-2) reportedly reached out to the Raiders (4-5) about the potential trade around midday Monday, according to ESPN and NFL Network.
During the call, the Vikings told the Raiders they wanted to see how Monday night played out before discussing Cousins further, but they’d be in touch if needed.
An eyesore performance ensued from both backup quarterbacks, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer, with the pair finishing with 127 passing yards on fewer than four yards per attempt, two interceptions and a 0-for-10 showing on third- and fourth-down attempts.
Conversations resumed early Tuesday morning when the Vikings called the Raiders before 6 a.m. PT and set the wheels in motion for a potential Cousins trade.
The initial offer from Minnesota was to get Cousins for a fifth-round pick, according to ESPN.
Minnesota then upped its offer to a third-round pick, and Las Vegas discussed whether the trade made sense and had strong reasoning behind it.
The Raiders would not only receive a third-round pick but also free up $10 million for the 2027 season, since the bonus guarantee owed to Cousins would become Minnesota’s responsibility.
The deal further provides a chance to give 2026 first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza the opportunity to start.
The trade brings a pair of compelling storylines to Sunday.
Cousins will start against the Packers at Lambeau Field, and Mendoza makes his first career start against head coach Klint Kubiak’s former squad, the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks.
