The Oakland Raiders are working to bring quarterback Matt Flynn aboard. Even if that trade somehow falls apart, it's become more clear than ever that Carson Palmer's future is not likely to be in Oakland.
Palmer wants out, evidenced by his unwillingness to take a pay cut. So where will he land?
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NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Friday that the Arizona Cardinals already are "doing their homework" on Palmer. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians loves the vertical passing game, and Palmer's big arm could fit.
The Cardinals come as no surprise, but Rapoport raises another intriguing option: Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers apparently are at least interested in having another option to Josh Freeman.
USA Today, meanwhile, reported that Palmer could be interested in joining the San Francisco 49ers as a backup. That goes along with a Yahoo! Sports report earlier this week that indicated Palmer might prefer to being a backup on a contender compared to a starter on an also-ran. (It's unclear if Palmer's interest in the 49ers is reciprocated.)
It's rare to see a player turn down more money and a starting job to be a backup on a winning team. After 10 years with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Raiders, Palmer might just be tired of losing.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
