Vikings Reacquire Kirk Cousins as J.J. McCarthy Reacts

Overview

• The Minnesota Vikings traded a 2027 third-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders to bring back Kirk Cousins, a move teams reported on Nov. 10 that was driven by injuries in Minnesota’s quarterback room.
• J.J. McCarthy, who was traded from the Vikings to the New York Giants on Sept. 28, said he learned of Cousins’ return during a Giants press conference and wished his former teammates well.
• McCarthy has since moved into New York’s starting mix and has appeared in four games for the Giants, throwing for 622 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
• Minnesota’s decision restores a veteran familiar with coach Kevin O’Connell and the organization and is intended as a near-term solution while the team manages health and starter uncertainty.
• McCarthy’s path from the Vikings—where he was the 2024 10th overall pick, missed his rookie year with a knee injury and started 10 games in 2025—illustrates how injuries and short-term needs are reshaping quarterback rooms this season.