Raiders Trade Cousins, Name Mendoza Week 10 Starter

The Las Vegas Raiders traded quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a third-round pick, opening the starting job for rookie Fernando Mendoza against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10. The Raiders announced Mendoza as their starter for the home game at Allegiant Stadium, his first regular-season start after spending the opening part of his NFL career behind Cousins.

The trade, made before Tuesday’s deadline, reunited Cousins with Minnesota, where he played from 2018 through 2023. He had started nine games for Las Vegas, throwing for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Raiders had brought in Cousins as a veteran option while Mendoza developed after being selected first overall in the 2026 NFL draft.

Mendoza said Cousins mentored him and helped him grow more confident in areas including playing under center, connecting with teammates and learning an NFL scheme. He said the promotion was a new step but that he did not want to make the moment larger than it needed to be. Teammates Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker also expressed support for the rookie, with Tucker describing Mendoza’s practice work as consistent.

Coach Klint Kubiak said Mendoza had exceeded...