Vikings acquire Kirk Cousins and other big surprises as the NFL trade deadline nears

Kirk Cousins is returning to Minnesota. Keenan Allen is heading to San Francisco.

Kirk Cousins is returning to Minnesota. Keenan Allen is heading to San Francisco. Josh Downs is going to Kansas City. Jonathan Taylor is staying in Indianapolis.

For context, the Colts' decision to keep the three-time Pro Bowl running back was the biggest surprise Tuesday when a number of teams filled needs ahead of the trade deadline.

Buffalo continued safety Amani Hooker, Denver secured linebacker Daiyan Henley, and Baltimore and Atlanta swapped offensive linemen.

For context, the Vikings (6-2) turned to a familiar quarterback to try to rescue a woeful offense, acquiring Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in a move that bolsters their chances in a competitive NFC North that features four teams with winning records.

Carson Wentz's dismal performance in a 23-6 loss to the Bills on Monday night fueled Minnesota's push for a reunion with Cousins. This person threw for 4, 547 yards and created his fourth Pro Bowl in 2022 while helping the Vikings win 13 games in coach Kevin O'Connell's first season.

For now, vikings acquire Kirk Cousins and other big surprises as the NFL trade remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.