Overview
- Carson Wentz produced a historically poor start on Monday, finishing 8-of-25 for 81 yards, two interceptions and a passer rating of 8.9, which accelerated Minnesota’s search for a new starter.
- Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley worked the phones on trade day and pursued multiple targets including Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones and Geno Smith before making a deal.
- Minnesota traded for Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick, acquiring a short-term, system-ready option under coach Kevin O'Connell.
- Other deadline activity included the Kansas City Chiefs getting receiver Josh Downs and the Jacksonville Jaguars surrendering multiple early picks for veterans such as Jessie Bates III and Jordan Davis, illustrating a split between contenders buying now and teams selling assets.
- The deadline reshuffled playoff math by giving several contenders immediate upgrades while also limiting long-term quarterback options for Minnesota because Cousins is a rental and Indianapolis’s sell-off removed some premium trade targets.