The Minnesota Vikings explored several quarterback options before the 4 p.m. Nov. 10 trade deadline. They ultimately acquired Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones was also among the players Minnesota contacted about.
On Nov. 14, ESPN NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported that the 49ers wanted a second-round pick and additional compensation for Jones. San Francisco general manager John Lynch reportedly told the Vikings that price during their discussions. A second-round pick plus a mid-round selection might have been enough to complete a deal, but the Vikings ended talks over the cost. Jones remained with the 49ers.
San Francisco likely views Jones as valuable insurance in case Brock Purdy is injured. Jones has shown he can help steady a team in that situation. In 13 games for the 49ers, he recorded a 97.4 passer rating, 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.
## Cousins’ Return to the Vikings Offense
ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler said Cousins’ return to the Vikings offense went smoothly, despite his three-year absence. Fowler reported that Cousins quickly worked with center Blake Brandel on snaps and cadence for under-center play-action plays. The team also felt Cousins was throwing the ball well.
Although head coach Kevin O’Connell has added some new elements to the offense since Cousins’ previous stint in Minnesota, Fowler said the system remains largely intact. Cousins arrived on a Wednesday, had three days to prepare and was set to start.
## O’Connell Aims to Keep the Plan Manageable
O’Connell said the focus was on helping Cousins absorb the game plan without overwhelming him ahead of the Week 10 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. The process included sharing the plan in real time, situation by situation, then reviewing it after installation and practice repetitions.
O’Connell said he planned to spend time with Cousins and make use of every opportunity to prepare before the game. He also praised the way Cousins had thrown the ball during the week.
