The Raiders are the talk of the NFL this morning and for the first time since Al Davis' death, it is purely football related. It is official now that the Raiders have traded for formerly retired quarterback Carson Palmer for an expected compensation of a 2012 first round pick and a conditional no. 1 in 2013.
But earlier this morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that the Raiders also looked into trading for Eagles quarterback Vince Young before settling on Palmer due to Palmer's past relationship with Raiders coach Hue Jackson at USC and in Cincinatti. It's an intriguing consideration if you consider the quarterback that was already in place prior to his injury in Jason Campbell. Stylistically, Campbell is more athletic than Palmer but not in the athletic class of Young. He's a better pocket passer than Young but not of the caliber of Palmer.
Though it ultimately came down to past relationships, going with Palmer over the pursuing of Young is also a testament to how the Raiders want to play. Run the ball down your throat with Darren McFadden to set up the long ball with Palmer and his new toys at wide receiver.
Somehwere, Al Davis is smiling.