Oakland Raiders Rumors: Terrelle Pryor Trade Likely as Reggie McKenzie Resists Read-Option Offense? Matt Flynn, Tyler Wilson Remain Best Options at Quarterback

Jun 03, 2013 10:57 AM EDT

Terrelle Pryor is an interesting case with the Oakland Raiders. While there is no doubting the quarterback brings talent and a different dynamic to the team, yet his status remains uncertain as general manager Reggie McKenzie cannot decide what direction to take the offense in. Pryor could easily be the most talented quarterback currently on the Oakland roster, but if they decide not to follow the read-option trend, Pryor could be on his way out.

The Raiders have added three quarterbacks to the roster in the offseason. Based on size of contract, Matt Flynn is the best option to start Week 1 for the team. The Raiders acquired the pocket-passing quarterback from Seattle with the idea that he could be the future of the franchise. Flynn does not have decent arm strength, but his accuracy on short passes is good enough to execute a West Coast offense with Darren McFadden and Marcel Reece.

The Raiders also have newly drafted rookie, Tyler Wilson. The quarterback has looked impressive so far in Oakland, creating a small competition for who is going to be the long-term option for Raider Nation. Wilson is looking worthy of the No. 1 spot after displaying great accuracy with the deep ball. Oakland also just signed former Penn State quarterback Matthew McGloin who has a similar skillset to that of Flynn and Wilson.

With three pocket passing quarterbacks on the roster, Oakland may no longer be looking to move towards the read-option. This is the style of offense best suited for Pryor as he offers a dynamic style of play. Pryor is not helping his case in Oakland after looking shaky in OTAs. NBA Bay Area reports that his passes appeared wobbly and several went off-target compared to the other three.

It is clear that at this point, Oakland does not back his future with the team. If he remains on the roster at the start of the season, his best chance at playing could be in a wildcat scenario. He will be lucky if he sees the field more than once a game.

McKenzie could be compelled to keep Pryor around in case of an injury popping up during the season. He is an excellent emergency starter, but truly holds too much talent to continue to sit on the bench. With the trend of a mobile offense emerging, Oakland could get something decent in a trade for Pryor. Numerous teams could show interest. A more immediate deal would maximize Pryor's trade value. 

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