Reporter: Flynn trade doesn’t make sense for Oakland

By Brent Stecker

There’s no question the Oakland Raiders are a franchise in disarray, especially since quarterback Carson Palmer looks to be on his way out after declining a proposed $3 million pay cut. As a result, the Raiders are reportedly close to trading draft-pick compensation for Seahawks backup Matt Flynn to replace Palmer. But can Oakland they do that without derailing their rebuilding effort?

ESPN.com AFC West blogger Bill Williamson explained on “The John Clayton Show” Saturday that trading draft picks for Flynn — and his $6 million-plus annual salary — won’t help Oakland’s salary cap woes or turn them into an immediate contender.

Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn, who is rumored to be close to being traded to Oakland, has thrown more than 10 passes in an NFL game just three times in his five-year career. (AP)

“To give up a draft pick for a team that really needs to start building some draft picks … that’s kind of the root reason why a lot of people, including myself, don’t think this is the way the Raiders should do it,” Williamson said. “For a team that has a terrible cap and terrible draft situation, it’s bad for this team, and it’s going to take a while (to rebuild).”

Flynn is intriguing for the Raiders, however, because of his familiarity with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie, who was Green Bay’s director of personnel during Flynn’s years with the Packers. But Flynn is still an unproven commodity — the former LSU star has attempted more than 10 passes in an NFL game just three times in his five-year career.

“It’s the Reggie McKenzie connection. He’s comfortable with him,” Williamson said. “I think (Flynn is) a backup guy, but maybe he will be terrific. When it’s been the football season, he’s had no chance because he’s been playing behind a Hall of Famer in (Green Bay quarterback) Aaron Rodgers and a guy who took the league by storm last year in (Seattle quarterback) Russell Wilson. He’s never really had a chance, so maybe he can be good. I’d hate to say somebody’s not going to be good because they haven’t had a chance to play, but the odds are that he’s not gonna be great. Is he worth the chance in Oakland? Maybe. But this is Plan C, I think.”

Williamson thinks the Raiders would be just as well off giving 2011 third round pick Terrell Pryor a shot at the starting quarterback job.

“Give Pryor a chance. If he’s terrible, he’s terrible. You’re not going to be very good this year anyways,” said Williamson. “You have major holes.”