Kirk Cousins Completes First Full Practice With Vikings After Trade From Raiders

Quarterback Kirk Cousins returned to the Minnesota Vikings' practice field Thursday after the team acquired him from the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2027 third-round pick.

The Minnesota Vikings held their first full practice with quarterback Kirk Cousins on Thursday in Eagan, Minn., following his acquisition from the Las Vegas Raiders. Minnesota sent a 2027 third-round pick to the Raiders hours before Tuesday’s trade deadline to finalize the deal. Cousins replaces former starter Kyler Murray for the 6-2 Vikings, who are currently on a two-game losing streak following a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.

During Thursday's session, rookie safety Jakobe Thomas surrendered the No. 8 jersey to Cousins. The operations staff marked the quarterback's return by playing Creed’s "Higher" over the outdoor speakers, a song associated with his 2023 season with the franchise. Cousins spent Wednesday in meetings with head coach Kevin O’Connell but did not practice until Thursday because the team utilized an extra recovery day.

Receiver Justin Jefferson enters the reunion ranking 53rd in the NFL in receptions with 31 and 34th in yards per game at 56.1. During their last full season together in 2022, Jefferson recorded career highs of 128 catches and 1,809 yards. Right tackle Brian O'Neill noted that Cousins resumed his standard routines immediately, including his specific huddle posture and vocal leadership during route adjustments. The Vikings are attempting to improve a passing offense that utilized both Murray and Carson Wentz through the first nine weeks of the season.