As Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET NFL trade deadline rapidly approaches, one of the least surprising but most intriguing deals has reportedly come together. It's time for the return of Kirko Chainz to the Minnesota Vikings. With the Vikings widely known to be seeking a quarterback in the wake of Kyler Murray's injury, a reunion with Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins almost made too much sense
, and now it's come together.As the Ringer's Tom Pelissero first reported, the Raiders and Vikings agreed to terms on a deal that will send Cousins to Minnesota in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick.
Blockbuster! The Raiders are trading four-time Pro Bowl QB Kirk Cousins to the Vikings for their 2027 third-round pick, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports.
Cousins returns to Minnesota for the playoff push, while Las Vegas turns to No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. pic.twitter.com/3SvmtZu6er
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 10, 2026
The deal makes almost too much sense for both sides here, especially given that the Raiders have No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza waiting in the wings. This means he'll get the nod as the team's new starter, and we're going to break down the grades for both sides.
Kirk Cousins trade grades: Vikings and Raiders both walk away winners
Vikings: A+
The Vikings had to make a move at quarterback, especially after how much Carson Wentz struggled in the team's Monday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills just one day prior. Now, they get a familiar face back in the building in Cousins, and it opens the door for a potentially explosive finish to the year for the offense and specifically wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Along with Jefferson, tight end T.J. Hockenson should reap the benefits of Cousins under center for the Vikings. Cousins utilized Raiders tight end Brock Bowers exceptionally well, and his presence could prove to be a legitimate game-changer for Minnesota down the homestretch of the season.
Raiders: A+
This is a rare spot where I believe both teams emerged as true winners at the end of the day. Cousins even knew he was a bridge quarterback for Mendoza, and he played extremely well for the Raiders throughout the season. Now, he'll get to join a Vikings team with enough talent to make serious noise in the playoffs.
And for the Raiders? They get to pass the torch to Mendoza, and in doing so, receive a third-round draft pick for a player who was essentially a one-year contract. The Raiders sit at 4-5 on the season, and Cousins' play has been stellar, which made a potential quarterback change tough to do, but this allows the team not only to get Mendoza on the field, but also to pick up draft capital in the process.
It's a great deal for both sides, and one that truly does make sense for both the Vikings and Raiders at the end of the day.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Kirk Cousins trade grades: Who won the Raiders-Vikings deal?
