Las Vegas Raiders’ new quarterback Kirk Cousins is making defensive end Maxx Crosby antsy at OTAs
The Las Vegas Raiders need their star player, Maxx Crosby, back as soon as possible, as he’s the engine of the team.
The Las Vegas Raiders added two new quarterbacks this offseason. They drafted Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall, as everyone expected. But before that, they signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins.
And, seeing Cousins at OTAs has opened a lot of people’s eyes, players and media. He’s not quite the guy everyone makes him out to be. Sure, he is in some ways: He’s a faith-driven dad and husband who is just a good dude overall. He’s also a competitor, and he will let you know when he’s cooking you.
Maxx Crosby talks Kirk Cousins at OTAs
“Absolutely, I miss it so much,” Crosby said when asked about Cousins’ trash talk at OTAs. “Those are the little things that I feel like people don’t really get to get to see. And I see Kirk [Cousins] talking a little bit to the defense, and I’m like, ‘Alright, I got something for you when I come back.’ So, big shout out to my man Kirk, he’s awesome, man. I really didn’t know much about him. I probably met him one time before he got here.
“People have jokes and think he’s like this super uptight and square, he’s really one of the guys, and he bleeds. He just brings great energy all the time, and he’s a competitor, man. He’s done it and made the type of money he’s made and had the success he’s had by being one of those guys. So, I’m really looking forward to matching up with him and [Fernando] Mendoza and everybody. I have that itch for sure.”
The Las Vegas Raiders need that kind of guy at quarterback, especially during OTAs. Crosby also said in his quote that there needs to be more than just two or three guys who talk trash and fire everyone up. That’s good for a team, and having it come from the leader and presumed starter at quarterback is also good.
Cousins isn’t afraid to back down from anyone. And, he’s shown that already. And, he still has it on the field, too. After starting as a backup in Atlanta in 2025 and playing 10 games, he performed well in advanced metrics. Cousins posted an 89.5% Catchable Ball Percentage (seventh-best among players with 100+ attempts) and a 78.1% On Target Percentage (sixth-best), demonstrating strong accuracy. The Raiders brought in the right guy for what they need right now.