What Kirk Cousins Trade Means To Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders traded quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a 3rd round pick Tuesday. it opens the door for the Raiders play No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza.

Here is a look at the key aspects of the decision:

Good overall value:

Some people may have thought the Raiders could have gotten more than the Vikings’ second third-round pick for a player who could potentially help them get to the Super Bowl and a player they were desperate to get. In the big picture, this is a nice get for the Raiders. They paid Cousins just $650,000 this season. They got four wins, a mentor to Mendoza and a third-round pick. Not bad.

Raiders confident in Mendoza:

The Raiders wouldn’t have traded Cousins unless they were confident Mendoza was ready to play. Coach Klint Kubiak constantly talked about a plan and they weren’t going to rush Mendoza. Again, they weren’t blown away with an offer they couldn’t refuse. If they didn’t feel the kid is ready, they would have said no to a pick in the No. 80-90 range. Reportedly, the Raiders have been pleased by how good Mendoza has looked in practice reps recently.

Are they still in it?

I’d expect Kubiak to say this week that he thinks the Raiders, who are 4-5 and and who have lost five of their past six games after starting 3-0, can still make the playoffs. There was a report Tuesday that the Raiders were hesitant to deal Cousins because they felt like they are still in the mix. But there’s eight games to go and they can make a move.

More draft picks are good thing:

The Raiders will have plenty of holes to fill on the roster next offseason, so adding another top 100 pick is big. They should have four now. They can use it to acquire more picks. So, this is a valuable piece.

Mendoza has tough challenge:

Mendoza will face the vaunted Seattle defense in his starting debut. And the challenging defense parade will not end soon. Mendoza is being thrown to the wolves, but, clearly the Raiders believe it won’t be too big for him to handle.

Rookie of the year?

Mendoza is in line to get just eight starts, but, according to our friends at FanDuel Sportsbook, he is the betting favorite at +350. It helps that no other offensive rookie is running away with the award.

Cousins was a good Raider:

Cousins’ finale as a Raider was forgettable with three interception, but he produced and was among the league leaders in several categories. He was a tough, good Raider and helped develop Mendoza. the Raider Nation should forever have fond feelings about Cousins. Raise an In & Out double double in his honor.

AOC a snap away:

Many people thought Aidan O’Connell could be traded, but, instead the 2023 fourth-round pick is a back up again after being the No. 3 quarterback this season. It won’t be a surprise if the Raiders sign a quarterback to the practice squad to fill out the quarterback room. Also, expect Las Vegas to look to find a veteran backup for Mendoza in the offseason.