After much speculation, Oakland landed its man in Matt Flynn. The reported deal will send a 5th rounder in this year’s draft and a conditional pick in 2014 for the Seattle reserve man. Now with Flynn and Terrelle Pryor on the roster, the team can begin releasing the biggest nuisance on their roster, Carson Palmer.
One team linked to the drama-causing QB is the Arizona Cardinals. New head coach Bruce Arians has been searching for a big-arm quarterback to help run his vertical passing attack. The compensation for Palmer is expected to be low seeing as the Raiders have publicly expressed little to no interest in retaining Palmer after his controversial contract negotiations this off-season.
If Arizona and Oakland are able to get a deal done, Palmer’s contract would need some re-working. He will be taking a major pay cut that will be more than the reported $3 million discount he rejected from the Raiders. Rather than making $10 million, expect Palmer to making about half of that, one of the lowest contracts for a starting QB in the NFL.
Mike Garafolo of USA TODAY Sports reports that an anonymous source had already cited Palmer to the Cardinals is a done deal. Though the deal is yet to be official, the source reports that a deal worth nearly $8 million plus incentives would be what Palmer should expect to receive. A swap of late draft-picks in 2013 is also in the works, as well as an additional day three selection for Palmer’s soon-to-be former team.
With Arizona likely set to pay Palmer for his services this season, the team will now look to trade their current backup Brian Hoyer as well as release John Skelton. Arians had almost all but named free-agent pickup Drew Stanton as the future starter for the team, which would certainly change if Palmer were added to the roster. If Arians still feels confident in Stanton, Palmer did tell the media that he “would rather play as a backup for a contending team.”
Should Palmer officially join the team, he will inherit a receiving corps with an elite receiver in Larry Fitzgerald as well as a strong defensive unit, something that was certainly not available in Oakland. Though his offensive line protection will be shaky at best, Palmer seems to be more comfortable taking a major pay cut and big hits than staying in a division that boasts the AFC-leading Denver Broncos.
The veteran QB will certainly have his work cut out for him going against the defenses of the 49ers and Seahawks, but Arizona did jump out to a 4-1 start last season with Kevin Kolb under center. Palmer has the capabilities to lead Arizona back to its former glory, but the team will more than likely face a rebuilding year or two in the process.
