What happened: As the Minnesota Vikings explore a potential reunion with Kirk Cousins ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo highlighted the schedule symmetry of a potential deal. Cousins played his final game for Minnesota at Lambeau Field in 2023, the same venue where the Vikings travel to face the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. Minnesota opened trade inquiries for a quarterback after dropping to 6-2 on Monday.
Why it matters: Minnesota occupies the No. 6 seed in the NFC at 6-2 but has dropped two straight games, prompting the front office to seek stability under center. The Packers sit one game behind at 6-3 as the No. 7 seed following a 45-27 win over New England. Adding Cousins would immediately inject veteran experience into an NFC North showdown with postseason positioning on the line.
By the numbers: Cousins has completed 202 of 315 passes for 2,340 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2026 through nine games with the Raiders. Minnesota (6-2, sixth in NFC) has dropped two straight, while Green Bay (6-3, seventh in NFC) enters Week 10 on a two-game winning streak.
What to watch: The NFL trade deadline closes at 4 p.m. ET Tuesday. Any completed deal would put Cousins in line to make his return against Green Bay on Sunday.