In the latest version of the Carson Palmer/Oakland Raiders drama, Palmer has clearly made his feelings known about his current team. Apparently, Palmer would rather fore-go taking a $3 million pay-cut from his $13 million base salary and would gladly accept less money to be a backup on a title contending team.
Umm…what?
In an era where players are more concerned with money than ever, Palmer is defying the norm. In fact, things have gotten so bad in Oakland that is not a matter of when, but if Carson Palmer leaves. After having what could be considered a successful season with the Raiders in 2012, the team has asked that the 33-year-old take a very modest pay cut in an effort to save cap space. The subtle change in salary was believed to be an affirmation of the Raiders’ feelings of Palmer’s abilities.
Carson Palmer did not see it that way. The veteran quarterback scoffed at the notion of taking a pay decrease. Palmer is starting to get a reputation as a “quitter” and the poor way in which this decision was handled could very well end up costing the quarterback dearly in the future.
In what should have been a no-brainer decision, Palmer could have been a starter still making enough money for a stable financial future. Instead, Palmer seems to be repeating the immature antics that saw his release from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Usually players are willing to enter less than ideal situations for more money, but not Carson. Sources close to Palmer cite the bleak outlook for the Raiders in 2013 as the reason he wants out.
Oakland’s misfortune could be a blessing for one of the other NFL squads seeking a quality player to orchestrate their offense. One potential landing spot is with the Arizona Cardinals, who have been very active in looking for a QB. Though the contract will be significantly less, the idea of having a dangerous receiver in Larry Fitzgerald has to be enticing for a player who has not been surrounded by overwhelming talent.
Meanwhile, the team Carson has rejected may not miss him too much if they are able to snare Matt Flynn away from Seattle. If Flynn’s asking price is not to the Raiders’ liking, they could call on the services of a draft pick. Many mock drafts project the Raiders to select West Virginia product Geno Smith. As a final resort, current backup Terrelle Pryor could also be given the chance to step in, should the team trust Pryor’s dynamic skill-set at the NFL level.
Oakland should be applauded for not giving in to Palmer’s second power move in a two-year span. Football is a business and Oakland has handled the situation with class. The team even stands to get money back on the failed Carson Palmer experiment, as his contract is not guaranteed until week one.
