The Raiders traded quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Vikings at the trade deadline, keeping defensive star Maxx Crosby while handing the offense to rookie Fernando Mendoza.
After using the first overall pick on Mendoza, the Raiders watched him develop in practice and decided he was ready to take over, even though the team started 3-0 with Cousins under center.
Crosby, a fan favorite and cornerstone of the defense, remains under contract and is viewed as essential to the franchise's long-term vision as they build around Mendoza.