It’s becoming a given that, barring an abysmal performance by Matt Flynn in the preseason or an incredible showing by Terrelle Pryor, Flynn will start the regular season at quarterback.
The bigger question at this point is whether Flynn will be backed up by two or three quarterbacks.
As discussed with Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com on Friday’s PFT Live, the Raiders may have a dilemma. So far, undrafted rookie Matt McGloin has outplayed fourth-rounder Tyler Wilson, earning the third spot on the depth chart. Also, McGloin is slated to play on Friday night against the Cowboys before Wilson, who’ll mop up.
So who would the Raiders cut? Neither would be a lock to make it through waivers, making it a Thigpen-style risk to try to slip them through to the practice squad. Guess wrong, and the guy who is let go could become a starter elsewhere.
If the Raiders aren’t willing to carry four quarterbacks, the odd man out possibly could be Pryor, especially if a trade partner could be found. He’s the only quarterback on the roster the current regime had no role in acquiring, making it easier to give up on an Al Davis third-round pick than to admit failure on a fourth-rounder selected by new G.M. Reggie McKenzie.
Regardless, McGloin’s unexpected development is a good thing for the Raiders, but it creates the kind of dilemma that could, in time, lead to real regret for a team that needs a long-term answer at quarterback.