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Tom Pelissero talks Vikings trade buzz and where Kirk Cousins fits in

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 21:49 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Vikings Trade Buzz and the Role of Kirk Cousins

Tom Pelissero’s recent interview with Minnesota’s GM Matt LaFleur sheds fresh light on the Vikings’ trade window, the roster pieces they’re hunting, and the surprising fit that Kirk Cousins could make in the team’s offensive scheme. Pelissero’s piece, published on Sports Illustrated, pulls together the key points from LaFleur’s comments and gives fans a clear view of what the Vikings are targeting and why Cousins—who had just inked a three‑year deal with the franchise—may become more than just a backup.

The Vikings’ Trade Window

LaFleur explains that the Vikings’ offseason has stretched into a “trade window” that opens in late July and remains active through the first week of the draft. “It’s not a window in the sense of a deadline, it’s a trade season,” he says. “We’re in a position where we can make moves to improve the roster, whether that’s the line, the pass rush, or the secondary.”

The GM lists three main categories where the Vikings have identified gaps:

1. Offensive Line Depth – The Vikings finished 2023 with two offensive tackles and one guard on injured reserve for a combined 14 games. LaFleur notes that the team wants a “pro‑grade tackle who can step in immediately and block for the pass and the run.” He mentions interest in a “tier‑two” tackle who can bring a blend of power and agility and who is willing to play in Minnesota’s zone‑blocking scheme.

2. Pass‑Rushing Power – Minnesota’s defensive line struggled to get consistent pressure on the quarterback, and the Vikings have not secured a pass‑rusher on a long‑term contract. LaFleur says, “We’re targeting a player with a proven track record of sacks and who can collapse the pocket from the edge.” While he doesn’t name a specific player, he hints at the possibility of moving a high‑volume rusher from the Cardinals or the Raiders in exchange for a mid‑round draft pick.

3. Cornerback/Defensive Backs – After a season in which Minnesota allowed 42 pass completions for 400 yards in the final week, LaFleur is looking to bolster the secondary. “We want a corner who can play one‑on‑one, one who can play the man coverage that our system demands, and a safety who can step up in the box,” he says. The GM hints that a trade for a Pro‑Bowl corner might be a realistic target if the Vikings can part with a valuable draft pick.

LaFleur stresses that the Vikings want to be “smart with the moves we make.” He says the team has already reached out to a handful of teams about potential trade partners and is in “active conversations” that may yield a deal before the trade deadline in early October.

Kirk Cousins: From Free‑Agent Signing to Potential Starter

While the trade window primarily centers on positional needs, the Vikings’ acquisition of Kirk Cousins is a headline that Pelissero highlights. Cousins, a four‑time Pro‑Bowler who has led the Washington Commanders to playoff appearances, signed with Minnesota in the summer as a free‑agent. LaFleur explains that the Vikings’ intention was never to make Cousins a “full‑time starter” immediately; rather, they wanted to have a proven, efficient veteran who could guide the offense and step in if the current starter—currently a rookie quarterback—gets injured.

“Cousins is a guy who can read defenses, deliver the ball, and play with a lot of confidence,” LaFleur says. “He’s a perfect fit for our offensive philosophy. We’re going to keep him on the roster as a backup and a mentor, and we’ll evaluate him in the first 15 or so games. If our rookie has trouble or if we need a different play‑calling style, Cousins will be ready.”

Pelissero points out that LaFleur has emphasized the Vikings’ desire to “stay flexible.” The GM hints that if Cousins demonstrates the ability to manage the offense at a high level, Minnesota might even consider a trade of the rookie quarterback to free up roster space and avoid having two quarterbacks on the roster who are not playing.

The Vikings’ coaching staff—led by offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels—has already begun to incorporate Cousins into practice sessions. The quarterback’s experience with the West Coast offense and his ability to throw into the slot could complement the Vikings’ playbook, which relies on short, quick passes to create space for the running game. LaFleur notes that Cousins’ “intelligence and accuracy” are precisely what Minnesota needs as the team tries to revamp its offense after a disappointing 2023 campaign.

The Bottom Line: What Fans Should Expect

Pelissero’s article gives fans a concrete look at the Vikings’ approach to the trade market and the role Cousins could play as the season begins. Here are the key takeaways:

• Targeted Positions: Offensive line, pass rush, and secondary. The Vikings are open to trading a mid‑round pick for an immediate contributor at one of these positions.

• Trade Flexibility: Minnesota is actively engaging with other teams and is not shying away from a trade if the right opportunity presents itself.

• Cousins’ Role: Initially a backup and mentor, Cousins’ performance could shift his role. The Vikings want to preserve depth at quarterback while keeping the option of a veteran‑led offense.

• Coaching Integration: The coaching staff is already working with Cousins in practice, suggesting a quick assimilation into the offensive system.

• Future Draft Impact: Any trade that involves a draft pick will be weighed against the Vikings’ overall draft strategy, ensuring that the team does not overpay for short‑term fixes.

In short, the Vikings are navigating a complex trade landscape while keeping a seasoned veteran in a flexible role. Pelissero’s interview offers a clear view of where Minnesota stands and how the pieces may come together as the 2024 season unfolds. The trade window is still wide open, and the Vikings’ willingness to make smart moves could set the tone for a resurgence of their offensive and defensive units.