# Behind-the-scenes rise that convinced Raiders to deal Kirk Cousins

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/behind-the-scenes-rise-that-convinced-raiders-to-deal-kirk-cousins/
- Published: 2026-11-11T20:14:32+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/11/sports/rapid-rise-of-raiders-fernando-mendoza-sparked-kirk-cousins-trade/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Mendoza’s practice progress helped prompt the Raiders to trade Cousins.
- Minnesota sent a 2027 third-round pick for the veteran quarterback.
- Las Vegas says it still intends to compete for a play-off place.

## Summary

The Raiders traded Kirk Cousins to Minnesota after rookie Fernando Mendoza’s progress in practice convinced them he could take over as starting quarterback. The move gives the No. 1 draft pick an early opportunity while the team remains in the AFC play-off race, and the Raiders say they still intend to compete this season.

Minnesota gave up a 2027 third-round pick for Cousins, who had thrown 20 touchdown passes in nine starts. He completed 64.1 per cent of his passes for 2,340 yards, with eight interceptions and a 97.1 passer rating; the Vikings were 6-2. Coach Klint Kubiak said Mendoza had exceeded expectations and was ready physically and mentally, while general manager John Spytek said the trade was not a decision to give up on the season.

## Coverage

- [New York Post: Behind-the-scenes rise that convinced Raiders to deal Kirk Cousins](https://nypost.com/2026/11/11/sports/rapid-rise-of-raiders-fernando-mendoza-sparked-kirk-cousins-trade/)
- [New York Post: Raiders’ Kirk Cousins trade compensation leaves NFL coach stunned](https://nypost.com/2026/11/11/sports/raiders-kirk-cousins-trade-compensation-leaves-packers-coach-stunned/)

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.