Matt Flynn trade: Seahawks QB moving to Raiders, according to report

The Oakland Raiders are close to completing a deal that will make Matt Flynn their new quarterback.

Mar 29, 2013, 8:08 PM UTC

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders are close to acquiring quarterback Matt Flynn through a trade with the Seattle Seahawks according to Jason La Canfora. The Seahawks have been looking for a trading partner to deal Flynn and the Raiders are likely in the market for a new quarterback as it appears Carson Palmer is on his way out.

Flynn signed a three-year, $19.5 million deal with the Seahawks last offseason, but lost out on the starting job to rookie Russell Wilson. Wilson went on to take every snap of the regular season and lead the Seahawks to the playoffs. With Wilson now established as the long-term starter, Flynn has become an expensive backup and a trade option.

Field Gulls: Seahawks backup QB options if Flynn is traded

Prior to signing with the Seahawks last year, Flynn served four years as the backup to Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of LSU. During his time on the Packers, he notched two starts and put up impressive statistics. In his last regular season action in 2011 he went 31-for-44 with 480 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception against the Lions. But in the 2012 preseason, Flynn was soundly outplayed by Wilson. In three preseason appearances, Flynn went 28-for-39 with 204 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

In Oakland, the Raiders would like Carson Palmer to take a pay cut and may end up releasing the veteran quarterback if they cannot agree on a new deal. Palmer is due $13 million in 2013 and Oakland is hoping to reduce his salary to $10 million, but Palmer is rumored to be looking for a chance to join a Super Bowl contender. If the Raiders trade for Flynn, they will likely grant Palmer his release. Unfortunately for Oakland, they will still be on the hook for $9.34 million of Palmer’s 2013 salary if they release him.

Silver and Black Pride: Raiders should let Carson Palmer walk

Due to the size of Flynn’s contract and his inexperience it will likely only take a mid to late-round draft pick to pry him from the Seahawks. As the Raiders and Palmer seem at an impasse, that looks like a smaller and smaller price for one of the most coveted free agents of the 2012 offseason.

Flynn would be the leading candidate to win the starting job with the Raiders, but he was also the favorite to start in Seattle entering the 2012 season. The Raiders still have Terrelle Pryor and have discussed giving him more opportunities in training camp and the preseason this year. Still, Flynn would likely relish another opportunity to win a starting job and prove himself during the regular season.