Kirk Cousins said a Tuesday afternoon phone call with Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell persuaded him to accept a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, bringing the quarterback back to the team he played for from 2018 through 2023. Speaking Wednesday at the Vikings' practice facility in Eagan, Minnesota, the 38-year-old said familiarity was central to his decision.
Minnesota sent a 2027 third-round draft pick to Las Vegas for Cousins, adding a new starting quarterback who already knows the offensive system. The move reunites Cousins and O'Connell for a third time, a working relationship that also includes O'Connell's stint as quarterbacks coach with the Washington Commanders. Cousins said the coach understands both his abilities and limitations, which should help put him in situations where he can succeed.
Whether Cousins will start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers remains unconfirmed. O'Connell said the Vikings are preparing for that possibility while making sure Cousins feels comfortable. Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed greater certainty, telling reporters in Green Bay that he was confident Cousins would start.
The Vikings are managing injuries elsewhere at quarterback. Kyler Murray, who started in Week 1, remains out with a strained hamstring. Carson Wentz, dealing with an ankle injury, would have been a limited participant had Minnesota practiced Wednesday. O'Connell did not immediately name Wentz as Cousins' backup, pointing to the continuing development of third-string quarterback Max Brosmer. He said Murray would back up Cousins once healthy and expressed confidence in all three quarterbacks.
Although Minnesota held no practice Wednesday, Cousins spent the morning reviewing the offense with O'Connell and beginning discussions about the game plan. His arrival comes after consecutive losses followed a 6-0 start. Through Week 9, the Vikings ranked second worst in the NFL in offensive expected points added. They are seeking improvement to secure a playoff berth and pursue a Super Bowl run. General manager Nolan Teasley said the roster had earned an opportunity for the team to explore ways to maximize its potential.
Cousins also wanted a comfortable transition for his family. He told reporters that when he informed his wife, Julie, about the trade Tuesday, he hoped she and their two sons would join him. He left that decision to her, and she initially questioned whether they could disrupt the boys' school, baseball and friendships.
The boys' response changed the family's plans. Cousins said Julie explained the trade after picking them up from school and asked what they wanted to do. Their answer was, "Let's go." By Wednesday, his wife and sons were at the team hotel, excited to spend the coming weeks with him.
