Jason Campbell was the starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders when the 2011 season began, but after going down with a broken collar bone in October, the team had to bring Carson Palmer on. While many already knew that Campbell would probably not be staying with the Silver and Black to be a backup to Palmer, the surprising news that he's seriously considering signing on with the Chicago Bears has fans shaking their heads.
Oakland Raiders QB Jason Campbell.
Wikimedia Commons
Why would Campbell go to Chicago to play as a backup to Jay Cutler? We all thought the reason he wouldn't stay in Oakland was because he wanted to be a starter. He's said to be in deep negotiations with the team in the Windy City, and if he winds up there he'll have to answer a lot of questions as to why. It might be a good move for the Bears in case Cutler ends up injured again, but unless they're offering a lot more money, I don't see why he'd want to leave the Bay Area for Chicago.
The Raiders will need a backup quarterback, and with Matt Leinart cut from the Houston Texans, he could be an option.
Running back Michael Bush, who filled in for the injured Darren McFadden, is looking for a starting position with another team. Bush may end up playing for the Cardinals in 2012. He tweeted this afternoon, " Just arrived in arizona and the weather is awesome. It was getting ugly in oakland with all that rain."
While we already know Bush probably won't stay in the East Bay, it's still a bit disappointing to have to watch him leave. He did an exceptional job last season, running for a team-high of 977 rushing yards.
The good news is, Vincent Jackson is reportedly leaving the San Diego Chargers to go to Tampa Bay, and Brandon Carr will pack up and leave Kansas City. Both moves weaken their former teams and put the Raiders in a better position going into the next season.
At the free agency deadline the Raiders were strangely silent. There were no last minute signings and still no news on linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, although the team has until 4pm EDT on Friday to cut him. If not, they'll be responsible for his $11 million contract for 2012 and $17.5 million in total guarantees.
It looks like once again, we're left with more questions than answers.
K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.
More from this contributor:
Oakland Raiders' Legendary Quarterback Jim Plunkett: Thoughts on the Past and the Team's Future
Oakland Raiders' Aaron Curry Will Stay a 'Christ-filled' Raider, Johnson and Eugene Cut: Fan's Update
Oakland Raiders' Fan's Look: Quarterback Carson Palmer Makes Sacrifices for the Silver and Black
Oakland Raiders' an Update: City Approves Plan to Keep Its Sports' Teams
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