Kirk Cousins could now become first quarterback to play 18 regular-season games in a single NFL campaign

Kirk Cousins’ trade from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Minnesota Vikings opens up a new NFL first. The Minnesota Vikings have solved their quarterback problem by agreeing a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for Kirk Cousins. Cousins, 38, is now on the brink of an unexpected piece of NFL history. 18 regular season games possible for Kirk Cousins Since the NFL expanded to 17 regular season games in 2021, no quarterback has ever played in all 18 weeks. Cousins could be the first. This is because Cousins has played in nine games for the Las Vegas Raiders already. The team have not had their bye-week yet. His new team the Minnesota Vikings had their bye in Week 6, meaning they still have nine regular season games remaining. If he can stay healthy, then Kirk Cousins is in line to play 18 games in the regular-season, a feat that no quarterback has ever managed before. Four players have featured in 18 games While Kirk Cousins would be the first quarterback to play all 18 regular-season games, he would not be the first player to do so. Four players have done this before, all through similar circumstances via a midseason trade. Leonard Williams : 2023, New York Giants (8 games), Seattle Seahawks (10 games) Mike Williams : 2024, New York Jets (9 games), Pittsburgh Steelers (9 games) Rashid Shaheed : 2025, New Orleans Saints (9 games), Seattle Seahawks (9 games) Dre’Mont Jones : 2025, Tennessee Titans , (9 games), Baltimore Ravens (9 games) With the Vikings locked in a tight NFC North battle, there is little chance that Cousins is rested for the final week. ‘Look who’s back’ – Fans mock Dianna Russini as she returns to reporting for her first trade deadline since controversy Albert Breer reveals ‘what has been clear’ about Fernando Mendoza after Raiders agree Kirk Cousins trade Pete Prisco suspects Keenan Allen trade to the 49ers could mean long-term absence of a key WR