The Vikings didn’t waste much time making their move at quarterback. On Tuesday, Minnesota acquired Kirk Cousins from the Raiders, and general manager Nolan Teasley made it clear why the deal came together.
“made sense for a lot of reasons. There’s familiarity with the offense, the organization, the coaching staff. His level of play, his production for the season, everything just aligned.”
Teasley also addressed what the trade might mean for Kyler Murray, saying, “We communicate with our players, but ultimately we have to do what’s best for the Vikings.”
O’Connell said he believes Murray took the news in stride: “The reality is what it is. He knows I believe in him.
I want him to get healthy and get back because you just never know. We do not hold the cards of how this will go from a health standpoint.”
Cousins, for his part, also spoke about leaving Minnesota after the 2023 season. “I think it was just the business of football.
The model that the team used. Everything was done the right way.
I think it was handled well by everyone involved.”
Minnesota’s quarterback decision came with another bit of roster news on the injury front. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said linebacker Blake Cashman ended up in the concussion protocol after Monday night, putting his status for the game against the Packers in jeopardy.
Elsewhere in the NFC, the Falcons added kicker Jake Moody after signing him off the Ravens’ practice squad. Jeff Zrebiec reported that Baltimore appeared ready to sign Moody to its active roster, but Moody preferred Atlanta’s setup.
Zrebiec said Moody liked the opportunity to kick indoors with the Falcons and not have to serve as a placeholder until Tyler Loop returns from injured reserve.
Atlanta also made a change at running back. Falcons RB Brian Robinson “had a setback at practice” in Madrid and was placed on injured reserve as a result, according to HC Kevin Stefanski.
In Other News...
Carson Wentz Just Framed How Fast The Vikings Changed Course
Carson Wentz did not try to dodge the moment after his rough outing, and his acknowledgment of how he played helps explain how quickly the Vikings moved to change course at quarterback. In a division where every week seems to reset the conversation, Minnesota had seen enough to make a move that was less about waiting for a rebound and more about reacting to what was already on film.
The timing matters because the rest of the NFC North is still making its own adjustments, from Detroit dealing with Christian Mahogany's benching after a team-rules violation to Green Bay lighting up New England behind big days from Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. For the Vikings, though, the focus is on stability and getting the position settled, and Wentz's self-assessment only sharpens the sense that the organization was not going to let the situation linger. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings Fans Had The Perfect Reaction To This Josh Allen Moment
The Bills left U.S. Bank Stadium with a 23-6 win over Minnesota on Monday night, and Josh Allens night did not end with the final whistle. After Buffalo improved to 7-1 behind Allens 234 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception, plus James Cooks 107 rushing yards and a score, the quarterback was seen spending time with the family of Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola.
For a fan base that had just watched its team get handled on prime time, the postgame scene offered a lighter moment to latch onto. Allen took photos with DePaolas wife and children, and the interaction quickly became the kind of unexpected sideline footnote that travels fast after a game like this, especially when the result on the field already belonged to Buffalo. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings Just Sent A Clear Message About Odell Beckham Jr
The Vikings made a notable roster move this week, parting ways with Odell Beckham Jr. along with guard C.J. Hanson and offensive tackle Corey Robinson II from the practice squad. Beckham had only recently been elevated to the active roster for Week 9, which made the decision stand out even more as Minnesota continues sorting through the back end of its roster.
For Beckham, it adds another twist to a career that has already included plenty of movement and short-term stops in recent years. For the Vikings, it leaves open the question of how they want to handle the veteran receiver going forward, especially with the practice squad still available as a possible landing spot if the two sides decide to reconnect. [Read more 🡒]