The Oakland Raiders took a chance on Terrelle Pryor when they picked up the quarterback in the supplemental draft. Last season, the quarterback earned the starting job over Matt Flynn, Tyler Wilson and Matt McGloin and appeared to be the future in Oakland. However, that role did not last long and now Pryor wants out.
General manager Reggie McKenzie confirmed during the NFL Annual Meeting that Pryor has requested a trade or release following the move to acquire Matt Schaub. Head coach Dennis Allen has already penciled in the veteran as the 2014 starting quarterback and Pryor is starting to see there is no longer a place for him with the Raiders.
"He has talked to his agent about it," McKenzie said. "He had him talk to me about it. Terrelle wants to start so bad. I'll visit with him. We'll talk to him. ... We'll see next week or so how he feels about his future. Anytime you sign a veteran player, a guy (like Pryor) that really wants to start -- it's gonna hit him. And so that's what I'm going to talk with him about."
Pryor will likely get his wish. The Raiders will not find a trade market for the quarterback so a release is his best option if he wants out of Oakland that badly. The issue is that there is also not a market for Pryor as a starting quarterback, only a backup. If Pryor really wants to start, he would be wise to simply stay in Oakland. Schaub has one more year in him at best. However, the quarterback is set on departing.
The Carolina Panthers could be an option for the quarterback. Right now, the Panthers have Cam Newton as their franchise player, but recent ankle surgery creates a need for a quality backup. Pryor and Newton possess a similar skill set and the offensive plan would not have to change if the backup stepped in for a game.
The Buffalo Bills could also be an option. Again, the team is committed to their starter EJ Manuel, but the second-year pro has had issues staying healthy. Pryor could actually see several chances to start with the Bills. Manuel has had three different knee procedures and had issues developing because of it. Pryor would create strong competition.
The Raiders are expected to just outright release Pryor. If that is really what the quarterback wants, expect McKenzie to grant his wish. The issue will be if another team opts to take a chance on him.
