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Back in the United States after a life-altering experience last fall, Husain Abdullah allowed himself to take a glimpse back at the world he temporarily gave up.

“I’d watch some NFL games on television last November,” Abdullah said. “I missed the game, but I was not upset or sad. I was at peace with what I did. I wouldn’t change it.”

A safety who worked his way from undrafted rookie to starter in Minnesota, Abdullah surprised many in NFL when he hit the pause button on his football career at the age of 27 to fulfill a spiritual and family commitment last year. He is back in the NFL after signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in February.

“It was totally worth it,” Abdullah said in a phone interview this week. “It was life changing, energizing and spiritual. ... Now I am back and I feel great about everything moving forward.”

Husain and his brother, former Denver and Arizona safety Hamza Abdullah, made news when they took the 2012 season off to make the Muslim hajj to Mecca in October (their story is chronicled above in an "Outside the Lines" video from last year). The brothers and their parents were gone for 3 1/2 weeks. The focal point of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, which draws Muslims from around the world, is prayer.

For Abdullah, the experience was all about fulfilling a lifelong spiritual quest. The highlights? Simply being able to pray at the hajj pilgrimage. Asked what he most remembers, Abdullah said: “Seeing Muslims from France, Brazil, Pakistan, all over the world, everyone being together for the same reason. … It was all about asking for forgiveness and guidance.”

Abdullah, who always fasted during the sunlight during the holy time of Ramadan throughout his career, said he had long wanted to take the trip. Last year, he and his family figured since they had the means to do it, they shouldn’t delay the trip any longer. Even though it meant walking away from the NFL, the family decided it was time.

“I couldn’t just ask to leave during the season,” Abdullah explained. “I know I had to take the whole time off leading up to the experience. It was not really a tough decision, because it was something I always wanted to do. I felt the need to go.”

Abdullah admits it did cross his mind that if he left the league on his own, he was risking the chance of never returning. He resumed heavy football training when he returned from his pilgrimage in November and had hopes of joining a team late in the season.

“But teams figured that I missed OTAs and training camp, that I might not be ready,” Abdullah said. “I understood. So I had to wait. It crossed my mind that I wouldn’t get a chance. I was at peace with that. I was so grateful do to something I waited my whole life for.”

Now that he is back in the league, Abdullah is thrilled. He said he is enjoying the NFL experience greatly, even though it’s just the organized team activity season.

“It’s as fun as ever,” Abdullah said. “To get the opportunity to be back is really special. I’ve really enjoyed the entire experience.”

The Chiefs aren’t simply giving Abdullah a chance to put on an NFL helmet one last time before he is cut. The team is high on Abdullah. He was signed shortly after he had a workout in February.

The Washington State product was known as a quality player when he left the game. He started 15 games in 2010 and he started nine games in 2011 in Minnesota before getting injured.

New Kansas City general manager John Dorsey jumped at the chance to take a look at Abdullah. Dorsey was previously in Green Bay and had a strong knowledge of him. He was always impressed by Abdullah’s ability to work his way up the Minnesota roster. Dorsey said Abdullah has been a diligent worker this spring and he expects him to not just compete for a roster spot, but compete for a significant role on the team.

Dorsey looked at Abdullah’s pilgrimage as an impressive feat. He had no worries about Abdullah being away from the game for a season.

“The way he works, you can tell that this is important to him,” Dorsey said. “Anytime you get a chance to get a quality person, you should do it. He is one of the most refreshing guys I know. He is mature beyond his years. He has great self confidence. He is a wise, intelligent, deep guy. He is clearly spiritual and it’s neat thing to have a guy like Husain in our program.”

Abdullah said he plans to make the hajj pilgrimage often in the future. For now, though, he is back to concentrating on football in the fall.

The Charles Woodson AFC West race may be extending into next week.

ESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting that Woodson’s agent said the Oakland Raiders have invited Woodson to visit on Tuesday. He ended a visit to Denver on Wednesday. Agent Carl Poston had previously said the Raiders made an initial offer.

The Giants and Panthers have also been mentioned as possible destinations for the 36-year-old safety. He was cut by Green Bay this offseason.

The Broncos are said to still be interested. Some observers see Denver as the favorite because it could give him a chance to play a lot, a decent salary and a chance to stay with a contender.

Woodson played his first eight years in Oakland. He has a relationship with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie dating back to their Green Bay days. The Raiders have not been paying free agents much and they have been looking for youth. But they could be interested in having Woodson’s leadership.

Meanwhile, Dwight Freeney, the other big-name defensive player linked to the AFC West, ended his visit with the Chargers on Thursday.

An AFC West battle for Charles Woodson is brewing.

ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported on Tuesday that the future hall of famer is flying to Denver for a visit this week. Later, Anderson reported the Raiders sent Woodson an initial offer. Woodson spent his first eight years in the NFL in Oakland. He knows Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie from their Green Bay days.

The strong safety was cut by Green Bay in March and has received little interest. But it is heating up. Anderson reports Carolina is also involved.

If it comes down to Denver and Oakland, it will be interesting to see what happens. I think the playing time in both places would be about similar. Finances could be an issue, but I don’t see either team offering him too much. Oakland has been very cost-conscious, has been mostly giving out one-year deals, and most of those have been to younger players. I don’t see Oakland breaking the bank to get Woodson.

An advantage Denver might have is it is expected to be a Super Bowl contender, while Oakland isn’t. Oakland could have an advantage because of Woodson's familiarity with McKenzie and the franchise.

If Denver decides it wants to sign Woodson, it could try to finalize a deal during his visit to keep him from considering other offers.

In other AFC West notes:

The Chiefs cut 2012 fifth-round pick, safety DeQuan Menzie. He didn’t play last season. It’s not surprising. Late-round picks from a previous regime usually aren’t safe when the new regime comes in. The Chiefs concentrated on adding to the secondary this offseason.

This ESPN video looks at a possible free-agent fit for the division.

The Jets don’t believe Josh Cribbs is recovered from a knee injury. He has visited with four teams in the past week, including Oakland. It will be interesting to see of the Raiders feel the same way.

Earlier Tuesday, we examined whether Charles Woodson would fit in the AFC West. We might be talking about the subject more.

ESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting that the Denver Broncos will visit with the safety this week.

The interest makes sense. The Broncos could use help at safety, and Woodson would provide strong leadership. The future hall of famer is 36. Denver coach John Fox has long valued veterans. I wouldn’t be shocked if an accord is reached between Denver and Woodson.

Meanwhile, a Denver source said the Broncos are not interested in former Chicago middle linebacker Brian Urlacher at this time. There was a report out of Chicago on Tuesday that said the Broncos were talking to Urlacher.

In other AFC West notes:

The Cardinals are visiting with left tackle Max Starks. He visited with the Chargers last week and is considered the best left tackle on the market. The Chargers badly need a left tackle.

The Chiefs are visiting with defensive lineman Ryan McBean. He is a rotational player.

As expected, left tackle Branden Albert is working with the Chiefs for the first time this offseason. Th sides are trying to get a long-term deal done.

The Eagles will honor former quarterback Donovan McNabb on Sept. 19 when they host the Chiefs and former Eagles’ coach Andy Reid. Reid drafted McNabb in his first year in Philadelphia.

One of the more interesting remaining free agents on the market is safety Charles Woodson.

The future Hall of Fame player has been unable to find work since he was cut by Green Bay earlier this week. Woodson recently said he is willing to play in any situation. He simply wants to continue his career. Yet, he has gotten little interest. Let’s see if there is any chance Woodson could end up in the AFC West:

Denver: The Broncos were mentioned as a potential landing spot for Woodson early in the process. There are reasons this makes sense. Denver is expected to be a contender and it could use a veteran at the position to play, at least, in a part-time role. I don’t think Denver coach John Fox would be scared off by the fact Woodson is 36. Fox has always valued veterans.

Kansas City: Woodson was in Green Bay with new Kansas City general manager John Dorsey. The Chiefs could use some veteran secondary help. I’m not sure if Woodson would have a huge role in Kansas City, but if Dorsey decides there is value there, perhaps the Chiefs could consider him.

Oakland: This is the sentimental favorite. Raiders’ fans really want to see Woodson return. He began his career in Oakland and was in Green Bay with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie. The Raiders could also use a veteran leader like Woodson on defense. The Raiders are going young and cheap, but perhaps McKenzie would make an exception for a former Oakland hero.

San Diego: The Chargers are also going young and they aren’t looking to spend much money. But there could be a place for a veteran like Woodson in a young secondary. Not sure if the Chargers’ brass would find it worthwhile to pursue Woodson, though.

Free-agent safety Charles Woodson said he is open to playing under any circumstances at this point.

“When this process first started out, that was my thing, I needed to go to a contender,” Woodson told the NFL Network. “I know I am towards the end of my career. At this point, I want to play football. So if it is a rebuilding stage, at this point if that is the circumstances I have to play under, then that is what I am going to do.”

That could be of interest in Oakland, where Woodson started his career. The Raiders could use help at safety and the 36-year-old Woodson knows general manager Reggie McKenzie when he played for him in Green Bay.

While the Raiders have been filling their roster with younger players they did re-sign 33-year-old Andre Carter, so the team is open to acquiring veterans in the right spot.

In other AFC West notes:

U-T San Diego reports that the San Diego Chargers are expected to sign third-round pick, receiver Keenan Allen and seventh-round pick, quarterback Brad Sorensen, as soon as Thursday.

All four teams in the AFC West will have a rookie minicamp this weekend. Rookie contracts now take little time to negotiate under the guidelines of the new collective bargaining agreement. While none of the draft picks in the division have signed, I think we’ll see several rookies under contract soon.

Here’s a hint that the Raiders have no interest in bringing back Richard Seymour: his No. 92 jersey was given to a rookie.

CBS Sports reports Cleveland free agent receiver/returner Josh Cribbs will visit Detroit next. He visited Oakland, the Jets and Giants this week.

In an Insider piece, Chris Sprow explains why he thinks quarterback Alex Smith will help the Kansas City Chiefs make big strides this season.

Blog note: I will be away from the blog Friday. But please check back. I will have an Eight in the Box feature and blog editors will post headlines.

San Diego general manager Tom Telesco told a San Diego radio station that he is happy with his group of quarterbacks when asked if he’d ever have interest in signing free-agent quarterback Tim Tebow.

Tebow’s offensive coordinator in Denver was new San Diego coach Mike McCoy. Telesco’s position doesn’t surprise me. I just don’t see the Tebow fit in San Diego.

Meanwhile, for what it is worth, the Chargers’ addition of former Green Bay inside linebacker D.J. Smith last week was a waiver claim and not a free-agent signing. He is recovering from a knee injury, but he is expected to be able to help early in the season. He will probably play special teams and be a key backup now that Manti Te'o has been drafted to start.

In other AFC West notes:

The Baltimore Sun reports the Raiders signed long-snapper Nick Guess. He is being brought in for camp. He was with Oakland for a brief time last year when Jon Condo was hurt.

In an Insider piece: Mel Kiper thinks tight end Mychal Rivera, a sixth-round pick, can help the Raiders . Rivera will get a chance to play because the Raiders have a need at the position.

Here are some random draft thoughts:

• The Chargers added another interesting young cornerback -- Cal’s Steve Williams in the fifth round. He has a chance to quickly climb the depth chart.
• Denver added yet another interesting receiving weapon when they took Georgia’s Tavarres King in the fifth round. He averaged more than 19 yards per catch for his career.
• I like the two tight ends Oakland took in the sixth round, Colorado’s Nick Kasa and Tennessee’s Mychal Rivera. This is a two tight end league, so it makes sense. These picks put some pressure on David Ausberry. He has yet to develop. He better do it now or the youngsters will take his job.
• The Raiders took a promising Division II pass-rusher in David Bass of Missouri Western in the seventh round. He has natural pass-rush skills. Yet, he is a long-term project.
• Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie did a nice job wheeling and dealing. He turned seven picks into 10. That is important for a team that is totally rebuilding. All 10 players have a legitimate chance to make Oakland’s roster.
• For what it’s worth, Kansas City coach Andy Reid said the Chiefs were not going to take USC quarterback with the second pick of the fourth round. The Eagles moved up ahead of the Chiefs and took Matt Barkley with the first pick of the day. Barkley said he heard the Chiefs were interested in him. Kansas City did not take a quarterback.
• Reid said fourth-round pick Nico Johnson will compete with free-agent newcomer Akeem Jordan for an starting inside linebacker spot. My money is on Johnson. Big-league player.
• The Packers are reportedly interested in trading running back James Starks. Oakland could use another running back. It did take Central Florida’s Latavius Murray in the sixth round.
• With the Vikings drafting a punter, perhaps Chris Kluwe will become free at some point and perhaps Oakland could show interest. It only has unproven Marquette King in the aftermath of longtime star Shane Lechler signing with Houston.
• Reid said fifth-round pick Sanders Commings will play free safety and seventh-rounder Mike Catapano will play outside linebacker. The Princeton product has strong pass-rush skills.
• New Denver pass-rusher Shaun Phillips -- the former Charger who signed Saturday -- said he is fine playing defensive end in a 4-3. He was a linebacker in the Chargers' 3-4. Regardless of the spot, Philips’ position will be as a pass-rusher and he will be moved around.

Reggie McKenzie is finally on the clock.

Welcome to the world of NFL decision-making, sir.

No man in the NFL has been more handcuffed in recent league history than McKenzie has been the past the 15 months.

McKenzie, a career lifer in the front office in Green Bay, got the daunting opportunity to be in charge of the post-Al Davis Oakland Raiders in January 2012, three months after the legendary Oakland owner died at the age of 82. Handpicked by several of Davis’ former lieutenants, McKenzie, a former Raiders linebacker, has vowed to bring the struggling franchise back to relevancy.

Thursday night, McKenzie was finally able to put his general manager's hat on and start the rebuilding process in earnest. Until the 2013 draft, McKenzie’s job had consisted mostly of cutting players, signing inexperienced players to inexpensive, short contracts and hoping for a better future.

Last year, McKenzie didn’t make his first pick until the end of the third round when he had a compensatory pick. The Raiders, who went 4-12 in McKenzie’s first season in charge, didn’t have a first-round pick in the past two years because of trades for Richard Seymour and Carson Palmer, two players who are no longer with the team.

McKenzie delayed his first selection Thursday when he dealt the No. 3 pick to Miami for the No. 12 pick and the No. 42 pick. The Raiders used the No. 12 selection on Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden.

The Hayden pick has its risks (he nearly died after suffering a major heart injury in practice last season), but he can become a good player, and the Raiders have a big need at cornerback. Most teams had Hayden ranked in the bottom half of the first round. I’m fine with the Raiders making the pick; if they think he can be special, take him.

But I am disappointed with the trade McKenzie made. The decision to trade down made it clear he wanted to scramble out of the No. 3 selection and load up on more picks. The Raiders entered the draft without a second-round pick (as part of the terrible Palmer trade made by the previous regime) and without a fifth-round pick. With so many holes on the roster, the Raiders need an influx of talent on both sides of the ball. McKenzie signed several players this year, but most of them were on short, show-me deals, and the Raiders saw several free agents leave.

Talent is needed.

I thought the deal with Miami left too much on the table. It's great Oakland received an early second-round pick, and another solid player will be added to the team Friday.

But overall, I think Oakland needed to get more. Consider what Buffalo got from St. Louis later in the draft. The Bills sent No. 8 and No. 71 for No. 16, No, 46, No. 78 and No. 222. Plus, New England got No. 52, No. 83, No. 102 and No. 229 from Minnesota for No. 29.

Compare those caches to the Oakland deal, and you have to wonder if the Raiders didn’t simply settle just to get a second-round pick. The No. 3 overall pick holds more power than that.

The trade could stem from the fact McKenzie has been so hamstrung. He had to find a way to get more, and he probably figured No. 42 was better than nothing.

Things will get better for McKenzie. The Raiders, after years of being in salary-cap jail, will have a ton of salary cap room next year -- somewhere in the $70 million range (figures subject to change).

McKenzie has already said the extra room doesn’t mean he will revisit the wild spending days of the past for the Silver and Black. McKenzie will stick to his Green Bay roots. He will build through the draft, and he will try to keep his best players with extensions. Free agency will be used as a complement and not a focal point.

Things will get better for Oakland. It will take awhile, and the Raiders probably won’t see a quick fix in a league that has been accustomed to microwave improvement.

But the process began Thursday with the addition of a potential dynamic cornerback and the acquisition of a second-round pick with which McKenzie will take the best player available.

Could McKenzie have done better Thursday night? Sure, but for a personnel man finally able to do his job, he has to be happy just to be able to finally act like an NFL general manager.

The San Diego Chargers did some pre-draft veteran shopping Thursday by signing linebacker D.J. Smith.

He was cut by the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday.

Smith, 24, is an intriguing player for San Diego, which could use some help at inside linebacker. Smith, a third-year player, started the first six games of last season before tearing his ACL. There were reports last month that there is no guarantee he will be ready for the start of the 2013 season. The Packers cut him with the failed physical designation.

Smith played in every game as a rookie. Still, it is a worthwhile signing for the Chargers. He has ability, and he should regain his health at some point in the 2013 season, Smith could be a player to watch in San Diego.

Meanwhile, as expected, San Diego receiver Danario Alexander signed his restricted free-agent tender.

The Denver Broncos received a reminder Wednesday that they need to stock away for the future.

The Green Bay Packers have come to terms on a contract extension with star pass-rusher Clay Mathews. The NFL Network has reported the deal is for five years and averages just over $13 million per year.

Those numbers will be duly noted by both the Broncos and their own star pass-rusher, Von Miller. Mathews has 42.5 sacks in his first four NFL seasons. Miller has 30 sacks in two seasons. Both players are represented by the same agency.

The Broncos won’t have to extend Miller in the immediate future, but I’d expect them to be interested in hooking up Miller within the next two years. The team also has to try to finalize deals with receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker in the future.

Denver is aware of its task ahead and the Mathews signing is an indication of the ballpark the team will be looking at when it comes to Miller. Although as Miller’s production goes up, I’d imagine so would his price tag.

The Oakland Raiders’ salary-cap troubles have been well documented.

But after paying the price for years of wild spending, the Raiders will be paroled from salary-cap jail. Next year, after shedding several contracts and being unable to build their program by keeping their own coveted free agents, the Raiders will be in better shape.

ESPN’s John Clayton has a strong grasp on the salary cap and figures that Oakland will have about $69 million in cap space for 2014. That number will likely change based on several things, but it is clear that Oakland will have an abundance of cap room next year as it continues to rebuild its roster. For the first time since Reggie McKenzie took over as general manager in 2012, Oakland will not have to cut players to get under the cap.

Before you start fantasizing about a Pro Bowl stable of free agents coming to the East Bay, a surplus of cap room doesn’t automatically mean that team can sign all the best players. Many teams have cap space good enough to do what they wish; some don’t use their surplus just because they have it. Jacksonville, for example, still has more than $25 million remaining in cap room for this season but has completed virtually all its significant spending.

I expect McKenzie to take a measured approach next year with his newfound salary-cap good fortune. He cut his teeth in Green Bay under Ted Thompson -- who built Green Bay into an elite team by not pursuing outside free agents and keeping his best players.

That’s how McKenzie aims to operate.

So there's no reason to think that good homegrown players will leave the Raiders after the 2013 season. They don’t have a ton of core players, but there are some. Defensive lineman Lamarr Houston, offensive lineman Jared Veldheer and Stefen Wisniewski and receiver Denarius Moore are among the players who should be in line for long-term contracts as the Raiders build from within. Running back Darren McFadden is entering the final season of his contract and if he can stay healthy, Oakland will likely be interested in keeping him.

Once the Raiders identify these types of players and lock them up, Oakland will complement the roster with some outside purchases. But it starts from within for McKenzie.

Two things have hurt Oakland: past wild spending on veterans and poor first-round drafting. We’ve seen that with the departures of such players as Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly, Carson Palmer, Darrius Heyward-Bey and the likely release of Rolando McClain. Had those players not crippled Oakland’s cap, the Raiders would have been able to keep solid players such as Philip Wheeler, Desmond Bryant and Brandon Myers in free agency this year.

This nasty process has depleted Oakland’s roster. The healing begins next year, when Oakland won't be motivated by pure financial necessity and can start making prudent decisions to build the franchise the right way.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Kansas City Chiefs will sign former Green Bay linebacker Frank Zombo. He is a special teamer and backup. He was in Green Bay with new Kansas City general manager John Dorsey.

The Chargers signed former Tennessee and Green Bay defensive end Jarius Wynn. He is a backup who could provide some pass-rushing depth.

Carolina signed Giants free agent receiver Domenik Hixon to a one-year deal. He recently visited the Raiders. He would have been a rotational receiver and a return option in case Jacoby Ford has trouble coming back from a foot injury that cost him last season.

The Oakland Tribune offers a transcript of a conference call with new Oakland Raiders cornerback Tracy Porter.

In an Insider piece, Matt Bowen thinks the Chiefs’ trade for Alex Smith was one of the biggest impact moves in the NFL this offseason.

The Oakland Raiders’ reconstruction of their roster has hit the most important position on the field: quarterback.

The Raiders acquired Matt Flynn from Seattle for two draft picks Monday.

Like many of the changes this year, the move was fueled by finances, and it is difficult to argue whether Oakland has improved at the position. The Raiders are going to give Flynn, a quarterback who has spent five NFL seasons as a backup and started just two games, a chance to play.

Flynn -- who was in Green Bay for four years with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie -- was Oakland’s backup plan to restructuring Carson Palmer’s contract. However, Palmer, 33, was reluctant to chop down his contract, so Oakland was forced to go elsewhere. He is reportedly in the process of being traded to Arizona for a low draft pick.

Yes, the deal does give Oakland some financial relief, although Palmer does count for more than $9 million in dead money on this year’s salary cap. But the move to acquire Flynn also cost the team some draft compensation, as Oakland will give Seattle a fifth-round draft pick in 2014 and a conditional pick in 2015. The Raiders have had a dearth of draft picks, and they didn’t want to lose any more choices. This is a franchise totally rebuilding, and it needs every pick it can get.

This move is a bitter one because Oakland gave up a first-round pick last year for Palmer, and it already owes the No. 35 overall pick in this month’s draft for him. These are all moves stemming from a desperation 2011 trade made by the previous Raiders regime.

The reality is the Raiders are now handing their quarterback position to a 27-year old player who is totally unproven. He will be learning on the job, and it also means the Raiders don’t believe in third-year quarterback Terrelle Pryor yet.

Oakland is very much in the rebuilding process. If Flynn -- who didn’t get any interest elsewhere -- doesn’t pan out, Oakland will be starting all over again next year.

This trade is defining for four quarterbacks, including top prospect Geno Smith. Let’s look at how:

Flynn

Let’s make this clear: Flynn isn’t a huge get. He is a backup plan. But who knows, now that he's finally getting a chance to play, he could be good.

I’ve heard people compare him to Rich Gannon, who of course became a star for the Raiders.

Flynn has skills. But what we know is that he will be a first-time starter at age 28 (his birthday is in June) by the time the season begins.

He's in Oakland only because Palmer didn’t want to be. But this is his chance. I know Flynn was terribly disappointed to see Russell Wilson come in and beat him out last year. He thought Seattle was his chance to start after sitting behind Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay for so long. But once again, Flynn sat behind a better player.

The Seattle experience made Flynn a forgotten man around the league this year. No one else made a play for him once free agency began. Former Green Bay executive John Dorsey is now the general manager in Kansas City, and even the Chiefs ignored Flynn. Kansas City targeted Alex Smith all the way. Also, many in the league thought it was telling last year when Flynn’s offensive coordinator in Green Bay, Joe Philbin, never made a huge play for Flynn even though the Dolphins needed a quarterback.

To his credit, Flynn put up good numbers in a limited role with the Packers. Perhaps he will flourish in Oakland. ESPN's Matt Williamson thinks Flynn is a worthwhile endeavor for Oakland, but with limitations.

“I certainly understand the move,” Williamson said. “McKenzie & Co. are obviously very familiar with Flynn from their time together in Green Bay, but I hope they don’t think of him as the answer at quarterback.”

Pryor

This trade is not a good sign for Pryor. This is a team that is in total rebuild mode. If the Raiders felt it was necessary to trade for an unproven quarterback instead of giving the ball to the third-year player who was already on the roster, it means the Raiders don’t think Pryor is ready for the job in any way.

That is a bit scary. When the Raiders thought Palmer would be in Oakland, McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen said Palmer was the starter, but Pryor would compete for the job.

I’m sure they'll say the same thing with Flynn in place. But this trade means the Raiders don’t believe in Pryor yet. He started the season finale last year, and though he was green, he showed some promise.

But the 2011 supplemental pick is still very much a work in progress. With Flynn coming in, the Raiders’ coaching staff will spend its time getting Flynn up to speed and Pryor will take a back seat.

If I were running the show in Oakland, I’d give the ball to Pryor and let him play. If he played well, the Raiders should have their answer at quarterback for the long term. If he played poorly, Oakland would know where it stands with Pryor in a season that likely didn’t have much promise anyway. Then Oakland could perhaps be in position to take a quarterback from what is expected to be a strong NFL draft crop next year.

Instead, the Raiders are rolling the dice on the veteran Flynn.

Palmer

Let’s face it; Palmer doesn’t look very good as he leaves Oakland.

He reportedly refused to take his contract from $13 million down to $10 million because he didn’t believe in the Raiders’ chances. Oakland wanted him, but he didn’t want Oakland. Now it is being reported Palmer is slated to make $8 million from the Cardinals.

So he is OK with making less money with another team whose playoff hopes are small?

This is the second time Palmer has deserted a team. He basically retired from the Bengals in 2011. The only reason the Bengals relented and traded Palmer is because the Raiders offered so much for him in a desperation move when Jason Campbell was hurt.

At the time, Oakland head coach Hue Jackson, who triggered the trade and who is now an assistant in Cincinnati, called it the best trade in NFL history.

He might have been right. The Bengals got a steal.

This is an all-time bad trade by Oakland, and it has to go down as one of the worst in league history. For Oakland to be forced to get rid of Palmer weeks before the Bengals get to use a second-round pick for him is crippling.

Palmer put up some nice numbers in Oakland, but he never helped the team become a winner. He was 8-16 as the Raiders’ starter. Consider this: All-time draft bust JaMarcus Russell was 7-18 as the Raiders’ starter.

In the end, the Palmer experience was almost as disastrous as the Russell era.

Smith

One thing I like about this turn of events is that Oakland very likely will not be taking Smith, the quarterback prospect out of West Virginia, with the No. 3 pick in this month's draft. With so many other needs, the Raiders can’t afford to bring both Flynn and Smith onto the roster this season.

The Raiders have major needs on defense. That is where the pick should be spent, not on Smith, who is no sure thing.

There is a negative to this reality, though. The Raiders would like to trade down to get more picks. With the threat of Smith no longer being there, it could be more difficult trading the pick.

In the end, getting Flynn is a move Oakland didn’t want to make that has major repercussions. The team can only hope it works out.

Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie released a statement on the acquisition of quarterback Matt Flynn.

Oakland gave Seattle a fifth-round pick in 2014 and a conditional pick in 2015 for Flynn, who spent his first four seasons in Green Bay. McKenzie was with the Packers during that time. The Raiders are trying to trade Carson Palmer -- who forced the Flynn trade by not wanting to take a pay cut from the Raiders -- to Arizona.

Here is McKenzie’s statement:

“I’ve known Matt Flynn since 2007 and scouted him before and after he entered the NFL. Matt is a tough football player, and a talented quarterback. He will get the opportunity to compete to be a starter with the Raiders. I believe Matt has that potential, but I also know he hasn’t had enough experience. We’re going to let him compete and battle, and see what happens. We know Raider Nation wants a team that can compete for the playoffs year-in and year-out and we’re putting in the necessary work right now to make that happen. This is one of the many decisions in that process.”

More reaction on the way.