Kirk Cousins’ Potential Return to the Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback Kirk Cousins might resume his Minnesota Vikings career at the same location where it abruptly ended. The Vikings plan to bring back Cousins through a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. Their next matchup is against the Green Bay Packers (6-3) at Lambeau Field, the site of Cousins’ torn Achilles injury that cut short his 2023 season in his first tenure with the team.

This possible return adds more depth to a reunion prompted by immediate needs. Minnesota (6-2) seeks improved quarterback performance following a dismal offensive showing on Monday Night Football. They face a divisional opponent on a short week.

Read More on NFL

Minnesota is reportedly dealing a third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to Las Vegas for Cousins. This move reunites him with head coach Kevin O’Connell, who previously guided Cousins’ offense before he left the team after the 2023 season.

The question of whether Cousins will start on Sunday remains. The trade’s timing brings Minnesota to Green Bay merely five days after the deadline, creating a short window to prepare for an NFC North foe. Although his familiarity with O’Connell is advantageous, it doesn’t guarantee a starting role.

Cousins last appeared for the Vikings on October 29, 2023. Minnesota defeated Green Bay 24-10 that day, with Cousins completing 23 of 31 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns, exiting in the fourth quarter. The injury overshadowed an otherwise promising victory, as rookie quarterback Jaren Hall finished the game while the defense held the lead. What seemed like progress for the Vikings turned into the conclusion of Cousins’ season.

The team is looking to Cousins again after an outing that raised critical concerns about their offense. Quarterback Carson Wentz struggled, completing eight of 25 passes for 81 yards and two interceptions in the 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Vikings failed to convert on any of their eight third-down attempts and recorded three turnovers, resulting in their defense being on the field for over 42 minutes. Wentz’s ankle injury and offensive struggles led third-stringer Max Brosmer to step in midway through the fourth quarter.

Additionally, quarterback Kyler Murray has been out with a hamstring strain, missing two full games and most of a third.

The Vikings are in a tight NFC North race with the Packers and the Lions, all with six wins, trailing the Chicago Bears (7-2). The short week intensifies the urgency of their decision reached at the trade deadline.

Cousins needs no introduction to the rivalry or the coaching staff. If he starts on Sunday, he will have his first opportunity to support the Vikings again on the same field where his last campaign ended.