Raiders future hinges on willingness to trade Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby

If compelling offers arrive for Kirk Cousins or Maxx Crosby before the Nov.10 trade deadline, the Raiders have to give them serious consideration.And there is a growing sense within NFL circles that the Raiders would be open to taking those calls.That does not mean either player is being shopped or that a trade is inevitable.

But a willingness to listen is the right starting point for a franchise that needs to be honest about where it stands, and what will move it forward.Sentiment cannot make the decision.Neither can a record that keeps them mathematically connected to the playoff race while their performance suggests they are nowhere near ready to do anything meaningful in it.Start with Cousins, whose resurgence creates an opportunity to improve the future in two ways: acquire draft capital and clear the way for Fernando Mendoza to begin his education as a starting quarterback.That is a compelling combination for a team still building its foundation.Cousins leads the NFL with 16 touchdown passes.

After two seasons in Atlanta following his Achilles injury in Minnesota, he has re-established himself as a legitimate starter.The Raiders should explore what that means to teams with stronger rosters and more immediate championship ambitions.Minnesota is an obvious place to start.The Vikings are the NFL’s lone undefeated team, but their 6-0 record rests heavily on a defense allowing a league-low 12.3 points per game.They average 20.8 points, ranking 23rd.Kyler Murray deserves credit for helping keep them unbeaten.

But the Vikings should want more from their passing game before the postseason demands it.Cousins knows Kevin O’Connell, Justin Jefferson and the offense.Given his current production, he would offer an upgrade with considerably less adjustment than most quarterbacks would require after a November trade.Philadelphia should be part of the discussion, too.

With Jalen Hurts on injured reserve and reportedly likely to miss the rest of the season, the Eagles ...