Kirk Cousins sends clear ‘don’t want to be out’ message to Raiders as major QB pressure builds

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty ImagesKirk Cousins has made his stance clear on the possibility of losing his starting job with the Las Vegas Raiders, insisting he does not want to be on the field if he is no longer the team’s best option.The veteran quarterback’s comments come as pressure builds on head coach Klint Kubiak to consider rookie Fernando Mendoza following the Raiders’ fourth consecutive defeat.Las Vegas fell to a 3-4 record after losing 35-21 to the Los Angeles Rams, raising fresh questions about whether Cousins should continue leading the offence.Kirk Cousins backs Fernando Mendoza as Las Vegas Raiders consider quarterback changeCousins threw two touchdown passes against the Rams, taking his season total to 16, but his lack of mobility has become a concern as the Raiders struggle to find consistency.Speaking about the possibility of being replaced by Mendoza, Cousins made it clear that winning must come before his own position.“If I’m not the best option, then I don’t want to be out there either,” Cousins said.“I want our football team to have the best chance to win games.”The 38-year-old also praised Mendoza, acknowledging the rookie’s progress while making it clear that he intends to keep performing at his best.Cousins added: “The organization will do what they feel is best, but I feel that Fernando’s done a great job and has a bright future ahead.”Despite the growing debate over his future, Cousins has continued to produce touchdowns. His 16 passing scores tie the Raiders’ franchise record for the most by a quarterback through his first seven games with the team, matching Daryle Lamonica and Jeff George.Only Lamonica, who threw 20 touchdowns in his first seven games of the 1969 season, has managed more for the franchise across that span.However, Kubiak has not ruled out a change under centre. Asked whether Mendoza could start against the New York Jets, the Raiders head coach said: “We’re thinking about everything.”That leaves Cousins facing mounting pressure ahead of the next game, with the Raiders desperate to end their losing run.If Las Vegas decides to turn to Mendoza, Cousins could also become a trade candidate, with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns mentioned as potential destinations, according to the rumours.For now, the decision rests with Kubiak, who must weigh Cousins’ touchdown production against the need to get the struggling Raiders back on track.Read more:‘Publicly apologise…’ – NFL Fans react to another classic performance from Aaron Rodgers in Steelers’ Paris winColts RB Jonathan Taylor’s wife says her husband ‘might get traded’ after firing of Chris BallardNFL fans try to guess Cowboys WR, who Troy Aikman thought ‘worst performance’ vs. Packers