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Kirk Cousins Trade Update Reveals Raiders’ True Plans for Fernando Mendoza
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- Kirk Cousins Trade Update Reveals Raiders’ True Plans for Fernando Mendoza
Fernando Mendoza was picked by Las Vegas Raiders as the No.1 overall in the NFL draft 2026. Las Vegas Raiders are saving the rookie quarterback for their future and has veteran Kirk Cousins as their starter for now.
At the same time, Raiders trust their veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Reports suggest that Raiders want to keep it that way for a while and want Mendoza to develop under Cousins mentorship.
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Raiders hold no interest in trading Kirk Cousins
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the team views Cousins as too valuable to move ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Cousins is leading the NFL in touchdown passes and has played at a high level, helping the Raiders climb back toward contention after an earlier skid.
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Adam Schefter talks on a set before the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders see Cousins as the ideal mentor and example for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is being developed carefully during his first season. The team wants Cousins to continue starting while providing a strong model of preparation, leadership, and professionalism in the quarterback room.
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"Kirk Cousins is leading the NFL in touchdown passes. You're not going to trade that guy," Schefter said . "He's a great example for Fernando Mendoza. They want to keep riding him, until they fall out of playoff contention. They wanna try to make the playoffs," He added.
Klint Kubiak has indicated Mendoza will play at some point this season but without a set timeline while Cousins continues to give the team its best chance to win.
Klint Kubiak handles the QB situation
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak is carefully handling the quarterback situation. "We have a plan," Kubiak said . "We don't have a timeline for that. Kirk's playing really well. We're in the hunt. It's really important that we keep playing really well behind him and continue to develop Fernando. But Fernando's going to play at some point. It's not going to be this week."
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Mendoza played a few snaps against the Patriots. Kubiak was pleased. "He was prepared. He played fast. He got through his progression quickly. He knew his hot issues. It was a solid start for him," Kubiak said .
The Raiders are sticking with Kirk Cousins for now. They see him as a steady starter who can also help Fernando Mendoza grow. Coach Klint Kubiak has made it clear that Mendoza will play more this season, but the team is in no rush.
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