Raiders trade deadline notes

Posted by Admin November 10, 2026 NFL

The Las Vegas Raiders traded quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a 3rd round pick (the Vikings’ second in the round) Tuesday. it opens the door for the Raiders play No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza, who general manager John Spytek confirmed Tuesday afternoon will be the starter moving forward.

Here are some notes about their deadline decisions:

The Raiders, at 4-5, didn’t decide to make it a fire sale. They also didn’t opt to add at the trade deadline either as they have lost five of the last six games after starting 3-0.

NFL reporter Jordan Schulz reported that the Raiders did receive recent trade calls on star defensive end Maxx Crosby, but resisted them after a nixed trade with the Baltimore Ravens in March. Because the Raiders have already agreed to trade Crosby once, expect them to receive more calls in the future, including next offseason.

There is no word if the Raiders had any interest in pending free agents, wide receiver Tre Tucker and safety Jeremy Chinn. It will be interesting to see if they try to extend them in the offseason. Spytek said he received calls on multiple players without getting into detail.

Despite needs at some posts, including at wide receiver and defensive tackle, the Raiders did not add at the deadline.

Spytek said the Cousins’ trade is not an indication the team is giving up on the season.

Coach Klint Kubiak said Mendoza is prepared, physically and mentally, for this task and he praised Cousin for his influence on the rookie. Spytek said Mendoza has passed every test since being drafted and he helped the Raiders make the tough decision to deal Cousins. Spytek said Mendoza’s play in practice was difficult to ignore.

Spytek said he only received calls on Cousins and did not make any himself. The talks with Minnesota emerged Tuesday morning after Carson Wentz’s horrible showing in a loss Monday night. Spytek said the team did not expect this to happen before Tuesday, thus he had no previous conversations with Cousins about it.

Spytek said he and Kubiak spent a lot of time before agreeing to the Cousins trade, but, ultimately decided it was best for the franchise.