The Las Vegas Raiders have made their position on Kirk Cousins clear ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. Despite having No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza waiting in the wings, the Raiders reportedly have no interest in trading their starting quarterback and intend to keep him under center until they believe their rookie quarterback is ready to take over.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Las Vegas has not received any trade inquiries regarding Cousins as of this weekend. The decision suggests the Raiders are prioritizing their current playoff push while continuing to develop Mendoza behind an experienced veteran.
Raiders have no plans to move Cousins
Cousins has given Las Vegas plenty of reasons to keep him in the starting lineup. Through eight games, the veteran quarterback has thrown for 2,124 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 63.6% of his passes. His 19 touchdown passes rank second in the NFL entering Week 9.
The Raiders are also 4-4 and remain within striking distance of an AFC wild-card spot. Moving Cousins would create an immediate hole at quarterback and potentially disrupt an offense that has performed much better than expected this season.
There had been speculation that Minnesota could pursue a reunion with its former quarterback, particularly with the Vikings dealing with injuries at the position. However, the Raiders’ reported stance makes a Cousins trade before the deadline appear unlikely.
Fernando Mendoza remains the long-term plan
Although Cousins is currently the starter, the Raiders’ commitment to him does not change the organization’s plans for Mendoza. Las Vegas selected the former Indiana quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, viewing him as a potential long-term answer at the position.
The decision to keep Cousins gives Mendoza additional time to develop without being forced into the starting lineup before the coaching staff believes he is ready. Head coach Klint Kubiak has maintained a patient approach with the rookie, and the organization appears committed to sticking with that plan.
However, Cousins’ latest performance could add another layer to the quarterback conversation. He struggled against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9, throwing three interceptions in a disappointing outing. That performance could increase outside pressure for Mendoza to receive an opportunity, even if the Raiders remain committed to their current approach.
The Raiders now have an interesting decision to manage as the season progresses. If Cousins continues playing well, there may be little reason to rush Mendoza into action. But if the veteran struggles or Las Vegas falls out of playoff contention, the organization could eventually decide that giving its top draft pick meaningful NFL experience is the better move.
For now, Cousins appears safe in Las Vegas. The Raiders have made it clear they are not looking to trade him, and Mendoza will have to continue waiting for his opportunity to become the franchise’s starting quarterback.
