# The final straw that pushed Vikings into stunning Kirk Cousins trade

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-final-straw-that-pushed-vikings-into-stunning-kirk-cousins-trade/
- Published: 2026-11-11T16:11:45+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/11/sports/the-final-straw-that-pushed-vikings-into-kirk-cousins-trade/
- Topics: Football, Sport, World

## Key points

- Minnesota traded a 2027 third-round pick for Kirk Cousins.
- Carson Wentz’s two-interception display helped prompt the move.
- Cousins returns to the Vikings for their playoff push.

## Summary

The Minnesota Vikings acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders shortly before the trade deadline, after backup Carson Wentz’s poor performance against Buffalo prompted the team to revive discussions. Cousins chose to return to Minnesota for its playoff push, giving the 6-2 Vikings a familiar starter as they seek to strengthen their chances this season.

Minnesota gave up a third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Cousins, 38, had gone 4-5 in nine games for Las Vegas, throwing 20 touchdown passes and eight interceptions; he reportedly decided to leave after discussions with his family, agent Mike McCartney and coach Kevin O’Connell. He previously played four seasons with receiver Justin Jefferson and appeared in 25 regular-season games under O’Connell, but the Vikings won only one playoff game during his earlier tenure. The team was set to visit Green Bay before facing San Francisco in Week 11.

## Coverage

- [New York Post: The final straw that pushed Vikings into stunning Kirk Cousins trade](https://nypost.com/2026/11/11/sports/the-final-straw-that-pushed-vikings-into-kirk-cousins-trade/)
- [New York Post: Kirk Cousins’ wife Julie hints at true feelings about Raiders exit after Vikings trade](https://nypost.com/2026/11/11/sports/kirk-cousins-wife-julie-hints-true-feelings-raiders-vikings-trade/)
- [The Daily Caller: Vikings Reunite With Kirk Cousins, Raiders Fleece Them For 3rd-Round Pick](https://dailycaller.com/2026/11/10/minnesota-vikings-kirk-cousins-las-vegas-raiders-trade-nfl-fernando-mendoza)

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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.