According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Bengals have traded quarterback Carson Palmer to the Raiders for a first-round pick in 2012 and a conditional first-round pick in 2013. It might be a pretty hefty price to pay for a player already past 30 (31). But with the Raiders sitting at 4-2 and a half game behind the AFC West leading Chargers, it's all in for Raider Nation and a playoff berth this season.
I had reported Monday in our waiver wire article that the Raiders got on the phone with the Bengals right after their win over the Browns. And now that Jason Campbell is set to be out for the next six weeks with a broken collarbone, the time was right for the Raiders to make a m0ve. It also helps that Hue Jackson is familiar with Palmer when Jackson was the team's receivers coach from 2004-2006.
So what does this mean in the fantasy world? Well, Palmer becomes an instant must-grab fantasy option obviously. In a new dynasty league that started up this year, I nabbed Palmer late with the hope that the Bengals would eventually release him or trade him. Looks like my wish came true. This is also great news for the Raiders offense itself. Players like Jacoby Ford and Darius Heyward-Bey get a bump in fantasy value. And with a stronger quarterbacking option, this will open up some more opportunities for Darren McFadden and the running game now that defenses have to pay more attention to the pass.
For owners who are in desperate need of quarterback help, make sure to add Palmer in your waiver-wire requests.
