‘They Fumbled It,’ ‘Vikings With the Heist’ — NFL Fans Mock Raiders After Packers HC Matt LaFleur Questions Kirk Cousins Trade Return
· Yahoo Sports
The Minnesota Vikings made one of the biggest moves at the NFL trade deadline, bringing Kirk Cousins back from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. The 38-year-old returns to Minnesota, where he played from 2018 to 2023, and reunites with head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Visit somethingsdifferent.biz for more information.
While the move gives the Vikings a much-needed answer at quarterback, the price Las Vegas accepted has left many wondering if the Raiders could have gotten more. Even Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur seemed surprised by the return.
Matt LaFleur Questions Raiders’ Kirk Cousins Trade Return
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, LaFleur said, “I was surprised [Las Vegas] didn’t get more for him, quite honestly. I was shocked when I saw what they traded him for. It was mind-blowing to me.”
Cousins is coming off a productive stretch in Las Vegas, throwing for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine games. He also posted a PFN QB Impact Score of 80.5, ranking 11th among quarterbacks through Week 9.
Naturally, LaFleur wasn’t alone in questioning the Raiders’ return. One fan argued that Las Vegas should have received at least a second-round pick.
“Honestly, I also thought it would be at least a 2nd. Throw away the whole Raiders franchise. The whole season, they were saying Cousins is the guy and just traded him for a 3rd-rounder,” they wrote.
A second fan added, “Raiders had all the leverage, yet they fumbled it, lmaooo.”
Others were less sympathetic toward Las Vegas’ front office. “No reason Raiders shouldn’t have bent them over for a 2nd. GM John Spytek is a media darling, but his actual actions have been underwhelming,” one commented.
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON:PFN’s Free NFL Playoff Predictor
Another fan mocked the return, writing, “The Raiders traded Kirk Cousins, who is statistically like the 7th-best QB in the NFL, for basically a pack of peanut M&Ms.”
Some fans also pointed out how badly Minnesota needed a quarterback. “Pretty obvious statement [from LaFleur] considering how good he’s been and how badly they needed a QB,” one user remarked.
Another added, “Raiders are stupid. Only a 3rd-round pick from a desperate team, lmao.”
This fan also agreed with LaFleur’s assessment, writing, “I’m with MLF. You have the most desperate team in the league, and you let them off with a 3rd pick when you’re one game out of playoff contention? Seems [Explicit] weird.”
SET YOUR LINEUPS:PFN’s Free Fantasy Start/Sit Optimizer
Another summed up Minnesota’s deal in just a few words: “Vikings with the heist.”
Desperation in Minnesota Forced the Move
The Vikings turned to Cousins after Carson Wentz struggled against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, completing just eight of 25 passes for 81 yards with two interceptions and a lost fumble in a 23-6 loss.
With Kyler Murray sidelined by injury and Max Brosmer forced into action to finish the game, Minnesota needed a reliable starter. The team also terminated Odell Beckham Jr.’s contract that day, opening a 53-man roster spot.
At 6-2, the Vikings are still in the NFC North race, and Cousins brings both starting experience and familiarity with O’Connell’s offense.
Now, the Raiders’ decision to let him go for a third-round pick will only invite more questions if he helps Minnesota stay in the hunt.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.