Why the Oakland Raiders Should Bring in a Third Quarterback

The Oakland Raiders’ quarterback situation looks much better now than it did just a few weeks ago.

They were able to get rid of the aging Carson Palmer in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, while also acquiring the young Matt Flynn from the Seattle Seahawks. Aside from dumping Palmer and bringing in Flynn, the Raiders still have a special young talent by the name of Terrelle Pryor on their roster.

Pryor and Flynn will definitely be going head-to-head for the starting quarterback job, and it will be interesting to see who wins the battle. Oakland has two young guys that can take over the reins on offense, but I still believe that they should bring in a third quarterback — preferably a veteran.

Bringing in a third quarterback to the Raiders would benefit in a multitude of ways. First off, it would entice the competition even further.

Aug 17, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Vince Young (10) under center in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Pryor and Flynn are both young and hungry players, and they both will be playing their hearts out to prove to the coaching staff that they are the right guy for the starting job. That said, as if battling against one guy isn’t enough competition, can you imagine going against one more player that has a legitimate shot at starting? Somebody like Vince Young?

Sure, Flynn or Pryor shouldn’t be worried about some old washed up veteran coming in to take over their starting job, but you just never know. Maybe that old veteran comes to the Raiders with vengeance, and is desperate to prove himself as a legitimate NFL quarterback. If that’s the case, you better believe that the Raiders quarterback battle will be something to keep an eye out for.

Aside from making the other guys work harder, bringing in a third quarterback would provide security.

Pryor is a guy that is known for his speed and making plays with his legs, and we all know what usually happens to quarterbacks that fit that criteria of play. Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Robert Griffin III are all mobile quarterbacks who some nasty hits from opponents. Newton hasn’t dealt with too bad of injuries, but Vick and RGIII have been knocked out games before and missed significant amount of playing time because of it.

So if Pryor were to start over Flynn and get cracked by a safety, forcing him to sit out, then Flynn would likely come in and take over the reins. But even that is not a guarantee, and the Raiders may feel more comfortable going with a veteran in a situation like a two-minute drill where they need an experienced guy to come in and get some points up. It would help the Raiders security at the quarterback position.

Lastly, and perhaps the most important one, is that bringing in a third veteran quarterback would provide help and support; he could be a mentor. There is no better way for young guys to learn the game than from a veteran who has been in the league for years and knows what to do with his time on the field. Think of Aaron Rodgers playing under Brett Favre, and then Flynn playing under Rodgers. It’s an ongoing cycle and every chance that a young quarterback gets to pick apart another quarterback’s brain, he should fully take up on that opportunity.

Everyone can always learn more, especially when you have a young player who is still looking to take over a team’s offense for the very first time.

That said, I definitely think that the Raiders should look around the market for a veteran quarterback, such as JaMarcus Russell, who is making an NFL comeback (I’m only kidding). Young is still an option and could benefit the Raiders if they do choose to sign him.