The Minnesota Vikings reacquired Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday with a trade that left Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur stunned by its low cost. Speaking at his Wednesday press conference, LaFleur admitted he was surprised by the minimal price Minnesota paid to bring Cousins back.
“I’m surprised they didn’t get more for him, quite honestly,” LaFleur said. “I was shocked what they traded him for. It was mind-blowing to me.”
The trade came amid a quarterback crisis in Minnesota. Injuries to Kyler Murray and a poor performance from Carson Wentz on Monday night made a move for a proven signal-caller predictable. The Vikings’ decision to reacquire Cousins, their former starter before a brief stint with the Raiders, addressed an immediate need.
LaFleur expressed disbelief that the Raiders accepted such a modest offer for Cousins. “I was surprised [the Raiders] didn’t get more for him, quite honestly. I was shocked when I saw what they traded him for,” he added.
Details of the exact exchange between the Vikings and Raiders have not been publicly disclosed, but LaFleur’s reaction suggests the return did not match Cousins’ established stature as a veteran NFL quarterback. Cousins, who has had multiple Pro Bowl seasons, is known for his consistent performance and leadership at the position.
The Packers coach’s comments reflect a broader conversation around Cousins’ market value in the trade deadline period. While teams often pay a premium for experienced quarterbacks midseason, the Vikings managed to secure Cousins without significant asset loss, at least in LaFleur’s view.
The trade deadline moves this week have stirred activity across the league, with teams scrambling to solve roster problems exposed by injuries and uneven performances. Minnesota’s swift action to bring Cousins back contrasts with other teams that have struggled to find viable quarterback options.
LaFleur’s surprise highlights a sense of opportunity missed by the Raiders, who parted ways with Cousins after a short tenure. The Packers coach’s remarks on Wednesday remain some of the clearest public reactions to the trade’s terms.
As the season progresses, how Cousins performs in his second stint with the Vikings will be closely watched. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ decision to move on from him at a seemingly low cost will continue to be a topic of discussion among NFL circles.
According to Yahoo Sports.