Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz threw two interceptions and was booed by the home crowd during a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, intensifying speculation that the team could pursue a reunion with Kirk Cousins before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
The Vikings entered the game at 6-1 with one of the league’s top defenses, but their offense managed only six points against Buffalo. Wentz completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards with two interceptions before being replaced by Max Brosmer late in the fourth quarter. The Bills improved to 7-1.
Wentz’s struggles marked the latest setback for Minnesota’s quarterback situation. Starter Kyler Murray has been limited by a hamstring injury, and the team has relied on a combination of Wentz and other backups amid inconsistent offensive production this season. Brosmer previously threw four interceptions in a start earlier this year.
Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson predicted a move for Cousins after the loss.
“By the conclusion of Tuesday’s #NFL trade deadline, Kirk Cousins will be a member of the Minnesota #Vikings once again. Calling it,” he wrote.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, speaking on the Pat McAfee Show during the fourth quarter, said the Vikings plan to review their options.
“The Minnesota Vikings are definitely gonna explore their options.. Daniel Jones was in their building a couple of years ago and I would expect them to at least look into it before the deadline tomorrow,” Rapoport said.
He later added: “I know the Minnesota Vikings are going to explore their options… They have Kirk Cousins, who obviously played for them, played for Kevin O’Connell. The Raiders have shown no indication they would trade him, but at least they could call and see what is there.”
Cousins ranks fifth in the NFL with 2,340 passing yards and holds a 97.1 passer rating through nine games with the Las Vegas Raiders. He has thrown 20 touchdown passes against eight interceptions. By comparison, Daniel Jones ranks 19th with 1,722 yards and a 68.9 rating.
Cousins spent two seasons under Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell before leaving for Atlanta and then Las Vegas. Jones has never started a game for Minnesota. The familiarity with the offensive scheme is viewed as a potential advantage for any return.
The Raiders are 4-5 and have No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza waiting in the wings. Reports indicated Las Vegas had received no trade inquiries on Cousins and preferred to keep him as a bridge starter. Still, with the deadline hours away, some league observers see a possible deal if the price is right.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the coaching staff face a short window. Minnesota’s defense has carried the team to a strong record, but the offense ranks near the bottom of the league in several categories. Adding a veteran passer could stabilize the unit while Murray recovers.
Cousins, 38, has thrown for over 2,300 yards this season despite the Raiders’ recent losses. His efficiency numbers stand out relative to other available options. Any trade would likely involve mid-round draft compensation rather than a high pick, according to reporting around the league.
The Vikings host no more games before the deadline and must decide quickly whether to stick with their current quarterback room or make a move. Wentz’s performance against Buffalo has accelerated the conversation among fans and analysts.
Buffalo controlled the game with balanced offense and timely field goals. Josh Allen and the Bills’ defense limited Minnesota to two field goals and forced multiple turnovers. The result left the Vikings at 6-2 entering Week 10.
With only hours remaining until the 4 p.m. ET deadline, any potential acquisition of Cousins or another quarterback would require immediate agreement on compensation and medicals. Teams rarely complete major deals this close to the cutoff without prior groundwork.
Minnesota’s next game is Sunday at Green Bay. The outcome of Tuesday’s deadline could shape the remainder of the season for a team that has relied heavily on defense while searching for consistent quarterback play.
