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The Las Vegas Raiders made a decisive move at the 2026 NFL trade deadline, sending veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. The deal, agreed upon on Thursday, came after speculation that a third-round selection would be the asking price for Cousins, and Minnesota met that demand.
With Cousins departing, the Raiders are now set to hand the reins to Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Cousins, meanwhile, joins a Vikings team with aspirations of a deep playoff run.
Cousins had been brought to Las Vegas to mentor Mendoza while the franchise took a patient approach to his development. In his time as the Raiders' starter in 2026, the 15-year veteran performed admirably, ranking fifth in the league in passing yards (2,340) and second in passing touchdowns (20). He also posted a QBR of 62.8 and a completion percentage of 64.1%. Simply put, Cousins fulfilled his role in Las Vegas.
Now, the former Indiana Hoosier Mendoza gets his opportunity. Before leaving, Cousins shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram story, posting a picture of himself and Mendoza with the caption, "Thank you Raider Nation! Go get 'em [Fernando Mendoza]." It was a classy gesture from a respected veteran who now sets his sights on a playoff push with the Vikings.
Mendoza Takes the Helm in Las Vegas
Mendoza's promotion to starting quarterback was inevitable, and the time has arrived. His first start will come at home against the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, who are 5-4 to begin the 2026 season. The Raiders, now 4-5 after a 38-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, remain in the playoff conversation, but the franchise is clearly focused on the future. Raider Nation can expect to see their star rookie under center as a new era begins.