Kirk Cousins is giving the Las Vegas Raiders a good reason to keep him under center. However, their future may already belong to someone else. Rookie Fernando Mendoza is waiting for his chance to start, and the Raiders could face a tough decision if another team comes calling before the trade deadline.
Former coach Jon Gruden thinks two NFC teams have enough reason to make that call, and he has a specific price in mind.
Jon Gruden Urges Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings to Pursue Kirk Cousins Trade
Speaking on the “Gruden Family Football Show,” Gruden suggested the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings should consider offering Las Vegas a second-round draft pick for Cousins.
With Jalen Hurts expected to miss the remainder of the season and Mendoza waiting for his opportunity to start, Gruden believes the veteran could help a contender make a Super Bowl run.
“This guy’s [Kirk Cousins] playing great, but they do have Mendoza. He is the future of the team,” Gruden said.
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“Now, I’m not speaking for Spytek the GM or Tom Brady the GOAT. But if I’m Philadelphia knowing Jalen Hurts is out for the year, if I’m the Vikings and we know Cousins in Minnesota better than anybody, I’m going to offer the Raiders a second-round draft choice because if I get Kirk Cousins in Philly or I get Kirk Cousins in Minnesota, we can win the Super Bowl this year with the defense with the players we have.”
The two teams have different reasons to consider the move. Philadelphia needs a solution with Hurts expected to miss the remainder of the season, while Minnesota could turn to a quarterback who already knows the organization.
The Vikings are 5-0 with Murray as their starting quarterback, but Gruden believes Cousins could give either team what it needs to pursue a championship.
Cousins has put together strong numbers despite Las Vegas losing three straight games after opening the season 3-0.
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Through six games, he has thrown for 1,582 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He ranks 9th on PFN’s NFL QB Impact ranking ahead of QBs like Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott.
For the Raiders, however, the decision comes down to balancing the present with the future. Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, is viewed as the franchise’s long-term quarterback, but Cousins’ performance could keep the rookie waiting.
“The Raiders, they inevitably have to give the ball to Mendoza. When is that going to be? Next year? Two years from now? The way Cousins is playing, he’s keeping Mendoza on the bench,” Gruden said.
He added that Las Vegas could get a significant return for a player it signed in free agency.
So, the Raiders must decide whether to keep Cousins for a playoff push or trade him for valuable draft picks to support Mendoza’s future.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.