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Kirk Cousins is back with the Vikings and his kids are pumped
In a development that could have a potential Hollywood storybook ending, former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was traded back to the signal-caller-needy franchise that currently boasts the league’s best defense. If Cousins continues the level of play he’s shown with the Raiders so far this season, the Vikings instantly become Super Bowl contenders.
The Vikings — clearly finished pretending that they could actually contend with either Kyler Murray or Carson Wentz — acquired the 38-year-old quarterback from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, November 10, in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick. Kirk Cousins, of course, previously played for Minnesota from 2018 through 2023, and was named to the Pro Bowl in three of those seasons.
Kirk Cousins’ kids had an adorable reaction to their dad being traded back to the Minnesota Vikings
Speaking at his introductory press conference on Wednesday, November 11, Cousins recounted how his wife, Julie, broke the news to their boys, Cooper and Turner.
Cousins explained that Julie initially hesitated to uproot the boys, given their school, baseball commitments, and friends in Las Vegas. He wanted his family to come with him but left the decision to her.
“I was hoping they were going to come with me, but I said, ‘What are you thinking, Julie?’ I know it was her call. She said, ‘I don’t think I can pull the boys out of school, and baseball, and their friends,’” Cousins said.
“She picked them up from school and said, ‘Here’s the situation: Dad got traded to the Minnesota Vikings. What would you guys want to do?’ They looked at her and said, ‘Let’s go!’ So, they’re across the street [in a hotel], and they’re ready and excited for the next several weeks.”
Kirk Cousins kids’ on going back to Minnesota: “Let’s go!”
Whole family excited to be back with the Vikings 🥹💜 https://t.co/G9muvLa1po
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 11, 2026
As for shoveling snow from the driveway, however, Cousins’ kids have an out — Cousins doesn’t yet own a driveway in the area. For now.
“Well, we gotta get a driveway first… I don’t have a driveway, so one day at a time. But Julie’s handling that.”
The move reunites Cousins with head coach Kevin O’Connell, who coached him during his final two seasons in Minnesota, and familiar teammates including Justin Jefferson. Given his familiarity with the team and its system, Cousins is expected to start for the Vikings in their Week 10 game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, though head coach Kevin O’Connell has stopped short of giving a firm commitment.
Cousins joins a 6-2 Vikings team after throwing for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in nine starts for Las Vegas this season.