The Oakland Raiders are in a tough situation at quarterback heading into the 2013 offseason, as the team hasn't been able to work out a contract restructure with starter Carson Palmer, which is one reason why they are reportedly interested in acquiring Seattle Seahawks backup Matt Flynn in a trade.
According to ESPN.com and CBSSports.com, the Raiders, Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars have all expressed interest in Flynn and could make a deal for him in the coming weeks before the NFL draft in April. Oakland's interest is mainly due to the $13 million Carson Palmer is owed next season, including his $15 million cap hit.
The team has been trying to work out a compromise with Palmer, but ESPN reporter Adam Schefter wrote that it was "highly unlikely" that Palmer will restructure. The Raiders may decide to trade or release Palmer, as they are comfortable heading into next season with Terrelle Pryor or the possibility of drafting Geno Smith. If the Raiders acquire Flynn they still may decide to draft Smith, as he could sit behind the starter and learn before taking over.
General manager Reggie McKenzie had a similar situation in Green Bay, where Aaron Rodgers was drafted to sit behind Brett Favre until he could take over, after which he led the team to a Super Bowl championship. While the Raiders aren't at that level yet, Flynn could provide a solid short-term solution that is cheaper than Palmer that can steady the ship for the next year or two.
Oakland is trying to get younger at all positions, as evidenced by their cuts of Michael Huff and Darrius Heyward-Bey, and they could do the same at quarterback by ditching Palmer for either Flynn or Smith. Flynn doesn't have much starting experience, but he made the most of his playing time in Green Bay, throwing for 480 yards and team-record six touchdowns in a win over the Lions two years ago.
Flynn originally signed with the Seahawks as a free agent before last season, inking a three-year, $19.5 million contract. He was beaten out for the starting job by Russell Wilson in training camp and the decision by head coach Pete Carroll turned out to be genius, as he led the team to the playoffs with an 11-5 record. The team won a playoff game against the Washington Redskins and Flynn barely got on the field during the year.
The Bills are also in position to draft Smith if he falls past the Jaguars and Raiders, but they could see Flynn as a better replacement for last year's starter Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was cut earlier in the month after two disappointing seasons in a row. Fitzpatrick signed a six-year $59 million contract with the team in 2011, but had 3,400 yards and 24 touchdowns with 16 interceptions last season while the Bills went 6-10.
The Jaguars are also in play for Flynn, as the team has not been consistent on offense since drafting Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne didn't do much for the team last season in his place, as the offense finished last in the NFL. Jacksonville will have the chance to draft Smith as well if the chiefs pass on the quarterback and they could decide that is the better option for the long-term.
Another option for the Raiders could be Browns backup Colt McCoy, as ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the team may release or trade him after signing Jason Campbell as a free agent. McCoy could be an option if Oakland decides not to acquire Flynn or draft Smith, as the free agent quarterback market is dried up after Campbell signed, with Kevin Kolb being the top available name.
