• Minnesota acquire veteran quarterback for 2027 pick

• Cousins returns to Vikings after six seasons with team

• No 1 pick Mendoza set to make first NFL start

Kirk Cousins is heading back to Minnesota.

The Vikings have acquired the veteran quarterback from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2027 draft, according to multiple reports, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The move reunites Cousins with the franchise where he spent six seasons from 2018 to 2023 and gives Minnesota an experienced option under center as they look to revive their season.

For Las Vegas, the trade clears the way for No 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza to take over as starting quarterback. The Raiders, who sit at 4-5, will throw the rookie straight into the deep end, with his first two scheduled NFL starts coming against two of the league’s toughest defenses in Seattle and Denver.

This is a developing story.