Raiders' Decision to Trade Kirk Cousins, Start Fernando Mendoza Detailed in New NFL Rumors

The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly planned to keep veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins beyond Tuesday's NFL trade deadline before ultimately handing the reins to rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that the Minnesota Vikings were initially rebuffed in their earlier attempts to land Cousins before the Raiders eventually relented.

"As recently as last weekend, there were people in that organization who wanted to stick to the plan -- to keep Cousins past the trade deadline and hold off on playing Mendoza a few more weeks, maybe even until after their Week 13 bye," Graziano stated. "The Vikings called the Raiders about Cousins prior to last weekend, but it wasn't until after Sunday that they felt there was a chance Vegas would trade him."

The Vikings sent a 2027 third-round pick to the Raiders to acquire Cousins, who had played six seasons in Minnesota from 2018 to 2023. The 38-year-old is expected to stabilize things under center amid star quarterback Kyler Murray's hamstring injury and backup Carson Wentz's struggles.

Mendoza said Cousins "had me with open arms and has taught me so many things, whether it's film study, how to operate as a starting quarterback, all the different multifaceted approaches that have made him so successful, he has shared with no restrictions or constraints." It's clear that he feels he had the proper guidance before making his first career start.

Mendoza will need all the confidence he can muster when he leads the Raiders (4-5) against the defending champion Seattle Seahawks (5-4) on Sunday.