The Las Vegas Raiders traded starting quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a third-round pick ahead of the trade deadline, setting up Fernando Mendoza to make his first regular-season start against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10.
Kirk Cousins Traded to Minnesota
The Raiders finalized the deal with the Minnesota Vikings ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, sending the veteran quarterback in exchange for a third-round draft selection. General manager John Spytek secured the Top 100 pick for a player who was not part of the franchise’s long-term future, Silver And Black Pride reported.
Minnesota was unwilling to surrender anything higher than a third-round pick for the 38-year-old quarterback. The Vikings drew a firm line to protect their future draft capital while bringing in a veteran arm to salvage their current campaign.
Fernando Mendoza Takes Over Offense
With Cousins in Minnesota, rookie Fernando Mendoza steps into the starting role for the Week 10 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Klint Kubiak and the team’s brass appear comfortable seeing how the rest of the campaign plays out with Mendoza leading the charge.
Facing defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s scheme presents a severe challenge for a rookie’s debut.
Maxx Crosby Stays in Las Vegas
Despite trading away the starting quarterback and starting a rebuild, the Raiders kept edge rusher Maxx Crosby on the roster rather than dealing him for higher-round draft picks. Team leadership values Crosby’s locker room leadership as essential to the culture Kubiak is trying to establish.
Spytek and Kubiak maintain belief that the current roster can stay competitive in the playoff race with Mendoza leading the offense. If the team struggles through the remainder of the schedule, the front office may reevaluate trade options for Crosby during the offseason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t the Raiders get a second-round pick for Kirk Cousins?
Minnesota refused to offer anything higher than a third-round selection, according to Silver And Black Pride reporting on the negotiations.
Who is expected to be the primary target in the passing game?
Tight end Brock Bowers functions as the primary receiver, ranking among league leaders with 48 receptions, 658 yards, and six touchdowns after missing two games, Silver And Black Pride noted.
How does the coaching staff view running back Mike Washington Jr.?
Washington is viewed as a complementary, home-run hitting back rather than an every-down bell cow due to his current limitations in vision and break-tackle ability, Silver And Black Pride reported.
Keep reading