For whatever reason, the Raiders acquisition of Carson Palmer has been met with mixed reviews. We agree that Palmer should keep an already solid Oakland team in the playoff hunt with his veteran experience, but the price the Raiders paid seems absurd. Giving up a first-round pick and another conditional pick that could turn into a first-rounder for a rusty quarterback whose skills are diminishing is a huge risk. If Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com’s sources are correct, it was a risky decision that was made by Hue Jackson.
The first-year head coach of the Raiders is reportedly in charge of all team personnel decisions after the passing of Al Davis. Considering he has been a head coach in the NFL for all of six games, that is unheard of. That being said, it would help explain why the Raiders were willing to give up so much for Palmer.
Jackson served as the wide receivers coach for the Bengals from 2004-2006, which were some of Palmer’s best years as an NFL starter. In 2005, Carson threw 32 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions and finished the season with a passer rating of 101.1. The following season he threw for over 4,000 yards for the first time in his career to go along with 28 touchdowns and a 93.9 passer rating. Maybe that’s why Jackson said this about the move.
“We were able to put together what I think is probably the greatest trade in football, in my opinion. Obviously, I think everybody knows that we needed to go out and address our quarterback situation.”
Perhaps Jackson’s memories of Carson Palmer the Pro Bowler are a little too fresh. Or, maybe he sees something in Palmer that he knows will be useful for the Raiders offense. Unless Oakland at least reaches the AFC Championship in Palmer’s time as the starter, I’m not sure he will be worth the price the Raiders paid.
