Kirk Cousins was back on the practice field with the Vikings on Thursday, and the first full session came with a familiar soundtrack.
Minnesota opened practice outdoors with Creed’s “Higher” blasting over the speakers, a song tied to Cousins from his earlier run with the team. Brian O’Neill said the moment gave the group a lift, and rookie safety Jakobe Thomas quickly gave up his No. 8 jersey to make room for the veteran quarterback.
The Vikings landed Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders just before Tuesday’s deadline, sending a 2027 third-round draft pick the other way. At 38, Cousins is now in his 15th NFL season, and Thursday marked his first full practice since the move.
Justin Jefferson said Cousins wasted no time getting back into command mode. The wideout said the quarterback was taking charge in meetings and on the field, drilling down into route details, play-specific notes and making sure the offense was aligned on the same picture. “He’s vocal, attentive and makes sure everyone’s on the same page,” Jefferson said.
O’Neill saw the same old habits show up right away. He pointed to Cousins’ steady huddle presence, the knee-down stance, the hand signals and the edge he brings to every rep. “Some things felt instantly familiar - the cadences, the tone of his voice,” O’Neill said.
Jefferson and Cousins last spent a full season together in 2022, when Jefferson put together an NFL Offensive Player of the Year campaign with 128 catches and 1,809 yards. Through Week 9 of the 2026 season, Jefferson had 31 receptions and was averaging 56.1 yards per game while working behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz.
Jefferson said the focus now is on getting the details right rather than leaning on any outside expectations. “It’s about understanding the plays called, knowing our assignments and making the throws that are there,” he said. He also credited Cousins for understanding defensive looks, especially the ones designed to attack Jefferson, and for not trying to force the ball.
Cousins was drafted by Washington in the fourth round, No. 102 overall, in 2012. Jefferson entered the league as the No. 22 pick in 2020 and is now in his seventh season.
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