Kirk Cousins has given the Las Vegas Raiders something they badly needed, and it may be enough to keep him from becoming a trade chip anytime soon.
After a rocky stretch that followed a 3-0 start, the Raiders got back on track Sunday with a 38-33 win over the New York Jets, ending a four-game losing streak. Cousins’ latest outing helped put him back in the conversation as the trade deadline approaches, but the buzz around him isn’t just about what he’s doing on the field. It’s also about what he means to the team behind the scenes.
Cousins arrived in Las Vegas after a difficult run with the Atlanta Falcons, and the Raiders brought him in to mentor Fernando Mendoza. That role matters, especially now that the team has climbed back to .500 for the first time in years. ESPN insider Adam Schefter said Tuesday that moving Cousins in the middle of the season would be a tough sell for Las Vegas.
“The Raiders are at .500 for the first time in years,” Schefter said during an appearance on “UNSPORTSMANLIKE.” “They’re relevant; they’re winning.
He’s an example for Mendoza. “What are you going to get back for Kirk Cousins?
I’m making this up again. I haven’t asked them.
A [fourth-round pick]? Is that worth it to destroy the morale of your team and take away a mentor for Fernando?
I don’t think so.”
The trade chatter picked up after the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 8 loss to the Detroit Lions, which opened the door to speculation about quarterback changes. In that game, Kyler Murray went 17-of-29 for 210 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. His lack of chemistry with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison has drawn attention around the league, and Cousins’ name surfaced as a possible fit for Minnesota.
The Vikings have already moved on from JJ McCarthy, who had a solid debut with the Giants. If Murray’s play doesn’t improve, he could be demoted, with Carson Wentz another option to get a chance.
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