Kirk Cousins trade rumors: Raiders have received no calls, reportedly want to keep QB
Las Vegas plans to keep Cousins as starter until rookie Fernando Mendoza is ready
Quick Look
- The Las Vegas Raiders have received no trade calls for quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of Tuesday's NFL trade deadline and are not interested in dealing him, per ESPN.
- Cousins, who leads the NFL with 19 passing touchdowns entering Week 9, will remain the starter as first-year coach Klint Kubiak develops rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No.
- 1 overall pick at the 2026 NFL Draft.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The NFL trade deadline is approaching on Tuesday of Week 9. Kirk Cousins has started every game for the Las Vegas Raiders this season and is second in the NFL with 19 passing touchdowns entering Week 9. The Raiders are 4-4 and within striking range of a wild card spot.
Week 9 is underway across the NFL, but looming over all the on-field action is what's happening behind the scenes ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. One of the most intriguing names floating around the rumor mill is Kirk Cousins. The Raiders quarterback has been looked at as an expendable piece for Las Vegas, especially with Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick at the 2026 NFL Draft, waiting in the wings.
However, it doesn't sound like Cousins is going to wear a new uniform once Week 10 rolls around.
The Raiders have not received any trade calls this weekend regarding Cousins, according to ESPN. Moreover, Las Vegas is reportedly not interested in dealing him either. They want to stay the course with their plan to keep Cousins as their starter until they believe Mendoza is ready.
Taking a methodical approach to Mendoza's development has been first-year coach Klint Kubiak's stated approach since the offseason. So far, they've held to that as Cousins has started every game for the organization this season.
Entering Week 9, Cousins has 19 passing touchdowns, which is second in the NFL and only looking up to Joe Burrow in Cincinnati (20). He's also completing 63.6% of his passes with a 101.4 passer rating over his first eight starts. The Raiders enter Week 9 at 4-4 on the season and still within striking range of a wild card spot, which is likely why Las Vegas is apprehensive about moving Cousins.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Raiders will not trade Kirk Cousins before Tuesday's deadline
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will any trade calls come in for Cousins before the deadline?
- When does the Raiders believe Fernando Mendoza will be ready to start?
- What is Fernando Mendoza's draft position beyond being the No. 1 overall pick at the 2026 NFL Draft?
