The Las Vegas Raiders are not planning to be sellers at the upcoming NFL trade deadline, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. Speaking on "The Pat McAfee Show," Schefter indicated that the Raiders are satisfied with their current roster and believe they are building something significant.
This stance comes as the Raiders have reached a .500 record in November for the first time since 2021. Prior to their recent 38-33 victory over the New York Jets, quarterback Kirk Cousins and edge rusher Maxx Crosby were subjects of trade speculation following a four-game losing streak. However, reports emerged that Crosby, a key defensive leader, has no desire to be traded from Las Vegas. The team also appears committed to developing rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza under the guidance of veteran Kirk Cousins.
Cousins has been instrumental in the team's recent success, notably his performance against the Jets where he threw three touchdown passes and added his first rushing touchdown of the season. His offensive output has placed him among the league leaders in touchdown passes. Schefter suggested that trading a quarterback of Cousins' caliber, especially while the team is still in playoff contention, is unlikely.
“Kirk Cousins is leading the NFL in touchdown passes. You’re not going to trade that guy,” Schefter said. “He’s a great example for Fernando Mendoza. They want to keep riding him, until they fall out of playoff contention. They wanna try to make the playoffs.”
Before their win against the Jets, the Raiders experienced a challenging stretch, including losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Klint Kubiak had faced mounting pressure to consider starting Mendoza over Cousins, a move that could have opened the door for Cousins' potential trade. However, Cousins' recent performances have seemingly solidified his position and the team's direction heading into the deadline.