# Kirk Cousins returns to Vikings as Raiders hand starting job to Fernando Mendoza

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/kirk-cousins-returns-to-vikings-as-raiders-hand-starting-job-to-fernando-mendoza/
- Published: 2026-11-10T19:57:37+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T20:25:56+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/nov/10/kirk-cousins-minnesota-vikings-las-vegas-raiders-trade-fernando-mendoza
- Topics: Entertainment, Politics, TV

## Key points

- Cousins returns to Minnesota for a 2027 third-round pick.
- Rookie Fernando Mendoza is set to start for Las Vegas.
- San Francisco and Buffalo are also making reported deadline moves.

## Summary

The Minnesota Vikings have acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick in the 2027 draft, reuniting him with the team where he played from 2018 to 2023. The move gives Minnesota an experienced option after two consecutive defeats and uncertainty over starter Kyler Murray, while the Raiders are handing the starting role to rookie Fernando Mendoza.

Cousins, 38, spent two seasons under Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and made the Pro Bowl in 2022, throwing for 4,547 yards, 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. That year, receiver Justin Jefferson led the league with 128 catches and 1,809 receiving yards. The Raiders are 4-5, and Mendoza’s first scheduled starts are against Seattle and Denver; elsewhere, San Francisco are reportedly acquiring receiver Keenan Allen, while Buffalo are set to add safety Amani Hooker.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.