Klint Kubiak names Kirk Cousins the Week 1 starter, sidelining Aidan O’Connell and opening the door for a trade that could free up cap space and clear the path for Fernando Mendoza’s development.
Kirk Cousins is set to start Week 1 under Klint Kubiak, pushing Aidan O’Connell toward the exit as the Raiders reshape their quarterback depth chart. The Raiders installed Cousins as their Week 1 starter, a move that relegates O’Connell to a backup role and signals a potential trade before training camp. Fernando Mendoza remains the long-term heir, but Vegas is eyeing O’Connell as a cap casualty.
O’Connell’s 7-10 record and modest career stats limit his trade appeal, yet the Raiders may still flip him to free up cap space. The QB shuffle comes after O’Connell’s struggles last season, where his record and production failed to justify a roster spot in a crowded room. Cousins, meanwhile, brings veteran stability and a proven track record, fitting Kubiak’s offensive scheme.
Mendoza’s development remains a priority, but the Raiders’ cap situation demands immediate roster moves. The signing also reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where aging QBs are being replaced by veterans to bridge competitive gaps while young talent develops. The Raiders’ cap crunch—projected at $25 million over the league’s projected $255 million ceiling—means every dollar counts.
5 million salary for 2025 is a prime target for reduction, and flipping him could net additional cap relief if a team is willing to absorb his contract. The move also sends a message to the locker room: the Raiders are prioritizing winning now, even if it means making tough personnel decisions. The Cousins signing underscores a strategic pivot for the Raiders, who are prioritizing playoff contention over developmental patience.
Kubiak’s history with veteran QBs—both in Minnesota and San Francisco—shows a preference for proven play-callers who can minimize mistakes and maximize offensive efficiency. Cousins’ arrival forces defenses to account for a more aggressive passing attack, which could create mismatches for the Raiders’ young receivers and tight ends. Meanwhile, O’Connell’s potential departure highlights the volatility of backup QB roles in today’s NFL, where teams increasingly view them as either high-upside developmental assets or cap liabilities.
The Raiders’ decision to move on from O’Connell, despite his familiarity with the system, reflects the league’s broader shift toward prioritizing either veteran stability or raw potential over mid-tier performance. This approach reduces the risk of on-field regression while freeing up financial flexibility for other roster upgrades. Reaction to the depth chart shift has centered on the Raiders’ need to balance short-term wins with long-term planning.
Sources close to the situation suggest O’Connell’s trade value is low, but the cap savings could outweigh the return. The Athletic and Pro Football Rumors have reported the QB room reshuffle, with Sam Warren noting the Raiders’ urgency to address cap constraints. What’s next: The Raiders could finalize Cousins’ role as Week 1 starter within days, while O’Connell’s trade market develops.
A deal before training camp would free up cap space and solidify Mendoza’s path to the roster. Vegas may explore late-summer moves if no offers materialize, but the QB room reshuffle is already locked in. The Cousins signing also underscores the Raiders’ shift toward a more pass-heavy offense under Kubiak, who has thrived with veteran QBs in Minnesota and San Francisco.
Cousins’ ability to elevate the passing game could force defenses to adjust, giving Mendoza more time to develop without the pressure of immediate expectations. Meanwhile, O’Connell’s potential departure highlights the volatility of backup QB roles in today’s NFL, where teams prioritize either veteran stability or developmental upside over mid-tier performance. Read at Pro Football Rumors
The Raiders’ QB depth chart reshuffle forces a tough choice: keep O’Connell as a backup or trade him to clear cap space. Cousins’ Week 1 start signals a win-now approach, but O’Connell’s limited trade value and Mendoza’s development timeline add complexity. A trade now could free up millions in cap room, but the return may be minimal. The move reflects the Raiders’ urgency to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term roster building under Kubiak’s offensive system. The cap crunch and the need to retool the roster quickly make this a high-stakes gamble, with long-term implications for the franchise’s competitive window. The Cousins signing also accelerates the Raiders’ timeline for playoff contention, even as it risks sidelining Mendoza’s development if the veteran QB performs well.
Pro Football Rumorsprofootballrumors.comBy Adam La RoseJul 2, 3:44 AMen-US
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