Raiders not fielding trade offers for Kirk Cousins, plan to keep veteran as starter

The NFL's trade deadline arrives Tuesday, and few names have circulated through the rumor mill as prominently as Kirk Cousins. The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback has been viewed by many around the league as a movable piece, largely because Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, is waiting for his opportunity.

Despite that speculation, all signs point toward Cousins remaining in silver and black when Week 10 begins.

According to ESPN, the Raiders did not receive a single trade call regarding Cousins over the weekend. Beyond the silence from other teams, Las Vegas reportedly has no interest in moving the veteran either, preferring to stick with its plan of keeping him as the starter until the organization believes Mendoza is prepared to take over.

That patient approach to the rookie's development has been the stated philosophy of first-year head coach Klint Kubiak since the offseason. To this point, the Raiders have followed through on it, with Cousins starting every game this season.

The veteran's production has given the team little reason to change course. Entering Week 9, Cousins had thrown 19 touchdown passes, a total that ranked second in the NFL behind only Cincinnati's Joe Burrow, who had 20. Through his first eight starts, Cousins was completing 63.6% of his throws and had posted a 101.4 passer rating.

Las Vegas entered Week 9 with a 4-4 record, keeping the club within reach of a wild card spot in the AFC. That positioning is likely a significant reason the Raiders are hesitant to part with their starting quarterback in the middle of a competitive season.

For now, the team is holding firm. Whether that stance could shift, particularly once Week 9 concludes, remains an open question as the deadline draws closer.

One club that has been connected to Cousins is the Minnesota Vikings, the franchise he played for from 2018 through 2023. Minnesota has a clear need at the position, with Kyler Murray working through a Grade 2 hamstring injury.

The Vikings entered Week 9 at 6-1 and sitting atop the NFC North, and a quarterback addition could strengthen their playoff push. But unless a team actually picks up the phone and the Raiders soften their position, Cousins appears set to finish the season in Las Vegas while Mendoza continues to develop behind him.