John Spytek: First "real" call on Kirk Cousins came this morning
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Raiders initially claimed they had not received trade inquiries for quarterback Kirk Cousins and were not interested in trading him, a statement that was internally inconsistent and likely influenced by team messaging.
- Raiders GM John Spytek later revealed he never initiated calls about Cousins but did receive multiple inquiries, including one serious offer that led to trading Cousins for a third-round pick.
- This situation highlights how NFL teams often engage in posturing by publicly denying interest in trades while remaining open to offers behind the scenes.
- Media outlets sometimes uncritically relay team statements, effectively acting as extensions of team public relations rather than providing independent scrutiny.
- The trade became easier for the Raiders as they planned to eventually bench Cousins for rookie Fernando Mendoza, and it benefited Cousins by moving him to a team with postseason prospects.
