The Oakland Raiders are desperately trying to solve their quarterback problems before the draft. Between deciding whether or not to release Carson Palmer and figuring out if Terrelle Pryor is a legitimate starting quarterback, they have to start making some moves. The Raiders are said to be heavily involved in a trade for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn. If that trade does not work out, it seems the team has a Plan B with Kevin Kolb.
Kolb could be a star in Oakland, but of course that is what Philadelphia thought and also what the Arizona Cardinals thought. Kolb was released earlier this month after struggling as a starter with the Cardinals. At 28, Kolb is coming off of two consecutive disappointing seasons with Arizona. He originally signed a five-year deal worth more that $60 million after looking like a promising quarterback while with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 14 starts, he was sack 57 times. In 2012, he threw for 1,169 yards and eight touchdowns in six starts.
When comparing Palmer and Kolb, Palmer has been the more productive quarterback. However, Palmer was unwilling to restructure his contract that was a team-high salary cap hit of $15.25 million. He reportedly said he would rather play as a backup somewhere else than play in Oakland. The Raiders are expected to release him in the coming days.
Oakland has been the main player in the Flynn trade talks. The two sides are attempting to finalize a deal to acquire the quarterback. The issue wit the Flynn trade is that his contract would be a salary cap concern. The team is currently $2.8 million under the salary cap. Flynn's three-year, $19.5 million deal would be a $7.25 million hit against the cap. This is something Oakland may struggle with and it could come down to whether or not Flynn is willing to restructure his contract. Oakland would likely have to give up draft picks to get Flynn. They gave up a first round and a second round draft pick to get Palmer which did not work out in their favor.
The Buffalo Bills are also reportedly interested in Kolb. The team has been sorting through draft prospects. They are interested in drafting Geno Smith, but if the Jacksonville Jaguars get to him first then Kolb could be a decent backup plan.
