Raiders Officially Ship Out QB Kirk Cousins To Vikings, Begin Fernando Mendoza Era

The Las Vegas Raiders shocked the NFL world by starting the 2026-27 season 3-0, but have since fallen back to Earth. 

After losing four straight, the Raiders once again looked like the team that won just three games a season ago and any dreams of contending were seemingly out the window. 

Facing the NFL Trade Deadline on Tuesday evening, the Raiders put themselves in a tricky position of either selling or buying, with their first big move indicating a sell. 

Quarterback Kirk Cousins is off to a great start, but moving forward, he'll be suiting up for a team from his past: The Minnesota Vikings. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Cousins has been traded back to Minnesota in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. 

 The news comes just hours after a report that the Vikings were reportedly identifying Cousins as a No. 1 trade candidate following an injury to Kyler Murray, whom they picked up in the offseason. 

Minnesota is 6-2 and tied for second with the Detroit Lions in the NFC North entering Week 10.

The trade speeds up the inevitable, which is the 2026 NFL Draft No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza taking over as QB1 for Vegas. 

Initially, Vegas' plan was to have Mendoza learn the game under Cousins, but that timeframe has now been shortened drastically. 

Mendoza has seen the field briefly, making his debut at the tail end of a 45-17 blowout at the hands of the New England Patriots in Week 5. The rookie completed six of eight pass attempts for 48 yards in garbage time. 

The 23-year-old has a tough challenge ahead of him for his NFL debut, facing the Seattle Seahawks, who boast the fewest defensive yards allowed per game with 244.2. 

After that, Mendoza takes on an AFC East Rival in, the Denver Broncos, another one of the league's best defenses. 

As for Cousins, the 38-year-old will once again suit up for the Vikings after spending six seasons with Minnesota from 2018 to 2023. After this season, Minnesota will become the longest stop of Cousins' career. 

Taking a look at what's to come in Minnesota, Cousins will once again look to lead the Vikings to a deep playoff run. 

Interestingly, the Vikings have already had their bye week, while the Raiders have not. This could lead to the aging QB not receiving a week of rest in the entire 18-week season which will be a an interesting storyline to follow. 

As for Vegas, it's now Mendoza's time to shine.