The Oakland Raiders are in a tough financial situation with the salary cap heading into 2013 and the team was planning on getting relief from quarterback Carson Palmer, but so far the two sides have not been able to come to a deal.
According to ESPN.com, sources said that Palmer may not work out his deal with the team to restructure for cap space, meaning that a release or a trade may be coming. The course said that the two sides have been trying to work out a deal, but that the quarterback has not budged so far. Palmer is set to make $13 million next season and with the Raiders right up against the cap they would like some salary relief by moving money around.
The 33-year-old had a solid season a year after being acquired from the Bengals and threw for over 4,000 yards last season with 22 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions. The team traded a first and second round draft pick for Palmer and likely do not want to cut him after just two seasons. The Raiders have said this offseason that they are comfortable with giving Terrelle Pryor time at quarterback and could draft Geno Smith with the number three pick if they are prepared to move on from Palmer.
Oakland could try and trade Palmer to a team like the Arizona Cardinals or Buffalo Bills, who both released their starting quarterbacks from last season in Kevin Kolb and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Those teams could wait and see if the Raiders decide to release him, as they know he isn't planning on cutting his salary, giving Oakland less of a position to negotiate.
The Raiders also could decide to keep Palmer through the season and start Pryor or someone like Jason Campbell that is still on the market, the trade him later down the line. The team went just 4-12 last season and lost their final game 24-21 to the San Diego Chargers on the road. Palmer helped lead the team to the eighth ranked passing offense, as the Raiders had to come from behind for most of the season.
The team won three of its four games against the Chiefs and Jaguars and were ranked 28th in rushing yards per game. The Raiders lost eight of their nine games to end the season, winning 15-0 against the Chiefs in Week 15. The team also is looking into possibly trading Darren McFadden to a team like the Jets or Broncos.
