The possible trade of Matt Flynn to the Oakland Raiders is picking up steam and the deal could have a profound effect on the upcoming NFL draft, as the top three teams all could change their minds on picks depending on what happens.
According to NFL.com, after reports came out that the Raiders, Jaguars and Bills were interested in Flynn from CBS Sports, a new report says that Oakland has "legitimate interest" in Flynn and could deal for him. The report also says that the Jaguars have a "little inclination" to go after him and that if a deal is done, the Raiders are the favorite.
One of the main reasons for the deal rumors is due to the fact that the Raiders have been unable to come to an agreement with Carson Palmer on a pay cut or restructured deal, meaning he may be cut or traded in the coming weeks. Palmer is due $13 million next season and they may feel that Flynn's $7.25 million is a better way to spend money.
Flynn hasn't had much starting experience, but he did get a chance to play against the Lions while with the Packers, throwing for nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns in a win. Flynn signed a three-year deal with the Seahawks, but he never expected to lose out on his starting chance to Russell Wilson, who brought the team to the postseason on an 11-5 record.
If Flynn is traded to the Raiders, that would shake up the while top of the draft, as the Jaguars could comfortably go after Geno Smith, as could the Buffalo Bills or Arizona Cardinals. The Chiefs are likely to take an offensive lineman or cornerback and the Raiders could then go after one of those positions themselves, including options like Eric Fisher and Dee Milliner.
Here is a look at the top of the draft if the Flynn deal goes down.
Kansas City Chiefs select Luke Joeckel: The tackle from Texas A&M is considered to be the top lineman in the draft and if the team decides to trade franchise tackle Branden Albert, he could step in and take over. There is a chance that the team selects cornerback Dee Milliner or lineman Eric Fisher, but so far all signs point to Joeckel and the trade for Flynn likely won't change that.
Jacksonville Jaguars select Geno Smith: If the Raiders made the Flynn trade there is a good chance the Jags will select Smith even though they have Blaine Gabbert on the roster. Smith performed well at his pro day and has impressed scouts over the past few weeks with his arm and mobility. The Jaguars could see him being the starter in a year or two and if they don't select Smith it might be Fisher or Milliner or even possibly Sharrif Floyd from Florida.
Oakland Raiders select Dee Milliner/Sharrif Floyd: If the deal for Flynn goes through, the team could do a bunch of different things with the pick, but since they are weak at cornerback, Milliner could be the pick. Floyd has risen on many draft boards after his workouts and many feel he is a defensive freak that could wreak havoc on the line. Milliner could be a star at the position and could be a fit in the black and gold.
