Why The Oakland Raiders Should Cut Carson Palmer

Some would be quick to say that Carson Palmer is old and washed up at the age of 33. I strongly disagree with that statement, as he has shown us that he is still capable of being a serviceable quarterback in the NFL.

It is not a matter of if Palmer can still play, I don’t think it has ever been. Numbers don’t lie as Palmer had one of his best seasons in his career statistically last season. He was completing 61 percent of his passes and threw for 4,018 yards with 22 touchdown passes, which is not so bad for someone who’s supposedly “washed up”.

Dec 22, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer (3) walks off the field in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Nevertheless, I believe Palmer should be cut from the team strictly because Oakland is still in the process of rebuilding their organization, and a youngster under center would be the way to go. I’m sure Raider Nation could admit that even with Palmer next year, their chances to beat out the Broncos and make the playoffs are as slim as a twig. Yes, there is always the wild card, but trying to win that battle wouldn’t be much easier.

Why pay Palmer $13 million next year when we can use that money to help build on other areas that are of much more concern, such as the defense?

Terrelle Pryor has been pretty good when he’s on the field, why not build off of Pryor? He’s younger and cheaper, and could definitely end up becoming an elite quarterback in this league with the proper coaching and a solid work ethic. He has upside through the roof with his speed and agility, and he has shown us he can be accurate with the ball as well.

I like Palmer and his style of play, I just think that Oakland would be wasting money to keep him next year when they have a youngster with tons of potential who would be significantly cheaper. On top of that, the Raiders could use the money that would be saved from cutting Palmer to use in free agency.

It would be much better for Oakland to start completely fresh with Terrelle Pryor and building around him while reconstructing the team as a whole. Carson Palmer is still a solid quarterback and there are plenty of teams that would be willing to pay big money for him, but Oakland doesn’t need to and should not waste their money on him.