Raiders Face Decisions on Cousins and Crosby Before Deadline

Cousins’ strong season has made him a potential target for teams seeking an experienced quarterback. He leads the NFL with 16 touchdown passes, and the Raiders could use a trade to add draft capital while giving rookie Fernando Mendoza a chance to start. Minnesota and Philadelphia are suggested as possible destinations, though neither is certain to make an offer. The Vikings are 6-0, but average 20.8 points per game; Philadelphia could seek help with Jalen Hurts on injured reserve and expected to miss the rest of the season.

A change at quarterback could be difficult in the short term. The case for making it anyway points to the Giants’ 2004 decision to start rookie Eli Manning while still in the playoff picture. Manning lost his first six starts, but gained experience before the team improved the following season.

Crosby would likely draw interest from contenders, and his contract runs through 2029. The Raiders are urged to set a high asking price and weigh whether a significant return could help address multiple roster needs. Keeping him would preserve an elite player, but the team’s broader rebuilding timeline is part of the calculation.

The San Francisco 49ers are floated as a possible suitor after acquiring defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from Indianapolis. One proposed scenario has San Francisco offering first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 for Crosby, potentially pairing him with Buckner. The 49ers play the Raiders on November 8, and the suggestion is that any trade would come afterward if Las Vegas continues losing. The deadline is November 10; neither player is certain to be traded.