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This potential reunion comes at a critical juncture for Minnesota, which currently holds a 6-2 record but has struggled significantly to find the end zone. The team’s offensive output has been historically low, with their 11 total touchdowns currently tied for the fewest in the league alongside the winless Los Angeles Chargers.
Addressing Offensive Struggles and Familiarity
The interest in Cousins is rooted in his previous tenure with the Vikings, where he played under current head coach
Minnesota’s urgency to bolster the quarterback position was highlighted by a dismal performance in Monday night’s 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. During the game, Carson Wentz struggled significantly, completing just eight of 25 passes for 81 yards with two interceptions. His 2.3 QBR was the lowest recorded by any quarterback this season and the worst for a Vikings player since 2006. The team failed to score a single touchdown for the third time this season, a rare statistical feat that has not been seen in the first eight games of a season since 1925.
Current Status and Roster Outlook
Cousins has been the starter for the Raiders throughout the current season, appearing in all nine games while maintaining a 64.1% completion rate. He has recorded 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His career path has been eventful since departing Minnesota in 2024, including a stint with the Atlanta Falcons where he started 22 games before his release following the 2025 season.
When questioned about potential roster moves following the loss to Buffalo, O'Connell acknowledged that the team has been in discussions regarding various positions. While he emphasized that his immediate focus was on the recent defeat, he confirmed that the organization would evaluate potential moves during the short turnaround before the deadline. The Vikings currently have Kyler Murray and Max Brosmer on their roster alongside Wentz as they look to stabilize their offense for the remainder of the season.
