The Las Vegas Raiders are standing firm behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins despite dropping four straight games after a promising 3-0 start to the 2026 NFL season. According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team’s plan continues to be playing Cousins “as long as possible,” and they do not believe he is to blame for the recent skid.
Kirk Cousins’ Dominant 2026 Season Numbers
Through seven games, Cousins has been one of the most productive passers in the league. He leads the NFL with 16 touchdown passes, ranks third with 1,817 passing yards, and has thrown only five interceptions. The 38-year-old is completing 62.6% of his passes while the Raiders rank among the league’s higher-scoring offenses.
Head coach Klint Kubiak has publicly backed Cousins, stating there is “no controversy” at the quarterback position and that the veteran is “playing at a very high level.” The team remains in the playoff hunt and prioritizes winning now over immediately inserting first-round rookie Fernando Mendoza.
Why the Raiders Aren’t Blaming Their Quarterback
After opening the season 3-0, the Raiders have lost four consecutive games and sit at 3-4 heading into Week 8. Schefter’s reporting aligns with comments from the coaching staff that defensive breakdowns and a struggling running game (one of the least efficient in the NFL) have been the bigger issues rather than Cousins’ play.
The Raiders’ defense has allowed significantly more points during the losing streak, while the offense has continued to score at a solid rate. This context has led the organization to focus on supporting the areas around Cousins instead of making a change under center.
Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors Shut Down
In a related update, Schefter also reported that star edge rusher Maxx Crosby does not want to leave Las Vegas this year (unlike the uncertainty surrounding him last season), and the Raiders currently have no plans to trade him.
Keeping Crosby provides defensive stability as the team tries to climb back into contention in the AFC West.
Looking Ahead: Raiders vs. Jets in Week 8
The Raiders travel to face the New York Jets (2-5) on Sunday. With Cousins locked in as the starter and Crosby staying put, Las Vegas is prioritizing continuity over major roster upheaval as they look to snap their losing streak.
Key takeaway: While the record has slipped, the combination of Cousins’ elite individual production and the team’s commitment to its core players signals a “win-now” approach rather than a full rebuild midseason.
Stats and reporting accurate as of November 1, 2026, based on Adam Schefter’s updates and team statements.