With the addition of Carson Palmer to replace the long-term injured Jason Campbell, the 2011 Oakland Raiders are showing their push for the playoffs isn’t a myth – but a goal. It’s clear in the past few seasons that their work in free agency and the draft has shored up their defense immensely. Combined with offensive weapons who are finally healthy, Oakland has become a true contender.
Palmer brings in a contract through 2014 with salaries of of $11.5, $13, and $14 million (they will pay him the remaining $7.44 million on this year’s salary).
While giving up two potential 1st-round picks will draw concern from the pool of experts, the Raiders have done something here that many franchises in the NFL don’t have the guts to do in realizing their immediate potential, and making a financial splash in order to improve the chances of success now, rather than long-term.
In essence, the addition of Carson Palmer mid-season has a MLB or NHL feel to it, two sports where franchises annually turn blockbuster deals in order to fill holes or rebuild for their immediate future. The Raiders are known for not playing by the rest of the league’s standards and this is another example of that off-kilter behavior. It remains to be seen if this bold move has success waiting at the end of it.
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