Vikings reunite with QB Cousins; Mendoza set to be Raiders' QB1

The Minnesota Vikings have reacquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade, sending a 2027 third-round pick to Las Vegas. Trade talks began on Tuesday, initiated by a call from Vikings GM Nolan Teasley to Raiders GM John Spytek, with neither side having anticipated the deal beforehand. As a result of the trade, 2026 first-round pick Fernando Mendoza is set to become the Raiders' starting quarterback, with Aidan O'Connell serving as his backup.