Week 9 of the NFL season is underway, but attention is focused on the upcoming trade deadline on Tuesday. One of the most discussed names is Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Despite speculation that the Raiders might move Cousins with 2026 first overall pick Fernando Mendoza waiting, ESPN reports that Las Vegas has received no trade calls for Cousins this weekend and is not interested in dealing him. The team plans to keep Cousins as the starter until they believe Mendoza is ready, a methodical approach emphasized by first-year coach Klint Kubiak.
Cousins has started all eight games this season, throwing 19 touchdowns (second in the NFL behind Joe Burrow's 20), completing 63.6% of his passes with a 101.4 passer rating. The Raiders sit at 4-4 and remain in wild-card contention, which likely factors into their reluctance to trade him.
The Minnesota Vikings, where Cousins played from 2018 to 2023, have been linked as a potential destination. With Kyler Murray sidelined by a Grade 2 hamstring injury, the 6-1 Vikings lead the NFC North and have a need at quarterback as they push for the playoffs.
