Instant Analysis: Carson Palmer Traded

Just when you thought it was true that Mike Brown was going to stick to his word about not trading Carson Palmer, the Raiders step up to the plate with a deal that simply could not easily brushed aside.

The Raiders have acquired embattled signal caller, Carson Palmer, for a 2012 first round selection and a conditional second round selection in 2013.  Should the Raiders win at least one playoff game in 2011, the 2013 pick is upgraded to a first rounder.  Acquiring what could be two first rounders in each of the next two drafts was too much to pass up for the enigmatic owner.  And who would blame him this time?

The Raiders, who undoubtedly are making a push to go deep into the playoffs in the same year Al Davis passed away, must now hope that Palmer is beyond the shoulder issues that had cost him both arm strength and consistency over the past two years.  Former Bengal teammate T.J. Houshmandzadeh has opined that Palmer’s arm strength has, indeed, returned and he has that zip on the ball again.  Should he be correct, the Raiders have their quarterback of the present and the future for what could be an extended period of time.  But not without significant draft selection cost.

The acquisition of Palmer signals the end of the Jason Campbell era, who performed admirably in 2011 and was making a playoff push of his own before breaking his collar-bone in week six.  Campbell will undoubtedly find a new home for 2012 after significantly raising his stock in 2011.  Miami, Seattle and even Denver could be landing spots.

For the new look Raiders, what does it mean?

Carson Palmer

Palmer inherits a team on the rise with a new found rushing attack spearheaded by the resurgent Darren McFadden and capable Michael Bush.  Palmer’s new receiving corps. is young, inconsistent and in dire need of further experience and leadership, something Palmer should be able to provide from day one.  Don’t expect Palmer to start immediately, but to quickly get up to speed as the coaching staff gives him a playbook crash-course.   While in no way established, the receivers do have potential and the chemistry should eventually come.

Jason Campbell, QB

Campbell has played his last snap for the Raiders and I half expected him to be moved on the 18th prior to the trade deadline  following the Palmer acquisition.  Either way, with no less than a six week recovery period staring Campbell in the face and being not much better than an adequate game manager in 2011, Campbell likely won’t see the field again this season.  He’s played well enough to garner interest on the open market in 2012 as a free agent.

Kyle Boller, QB

Boller is only keeping the position warm for Palmer who is likely to see the field within three weeks, perhaps as early as week nine following Oakland’s week eight bye.  Boller’s best hope is to attract attention for his next possible gig but is presumably headed back to the bench until further notice.

Darren McFadden/Michael Bush, RBs

No significant changes here unless Palmer is able to significantly improve the Raider’s 24th ranked passing offense, which would force the safeties back from the box.  Palmer, if not immediately, projects as a stronger performer than Campbell which will pay dividends in the longer term.  Near term, however, expect the Raider’s rushing attack to stay potent.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

Quarterbacks need to have chemistry with their receivers and the rush will be on for the entire receiving corps. to garner just that, chemistry.  As Heyward-Bey leads all Raider receivers with 345 yards on 22 receptions, he will be first in line for an upgrade.  But expect the chemistry process to take the remainder of the season.  For Heyward-Bey, already considered a slow starter, the Palmer acquisition will likely have a short term negative impact but provide longer term benefits.

Denarius Moore, WR

I believe Moore has the most to gain with Palmer under center.  Much like Heyward-Bey, Moore is a young receiver but possesses more of a big-play dynamic.  As a rookie on the rise, Moore’s willingness to do whatever is asked of him and his obvious ability to put it into play on the field should immediately gain the notice of the veteran Palmer.

Kevin Boss, TE

Boss may get an uptick in value over time but with seven receptions for 149 yards thus far into 2011, that would take much to accomplish.  No significant value increase here expected.