The Raiders (4-2) became desperate for a quarterback after Campbell broke his collarbone during a win over the Browns on Sunday. Campbell had surgery Monday and was expected to miss at least six weeks, leaving the Raiders with only Kyle Boller and Terrelle Pryor on the roster.
Jackson’s mantra all season has been “the time is now,’’ and he backed that up by dealing for Palmer, who is coming off a 20-interception season last year with the Bengals.
Brown said the play of rookie quarterback Andy Dalton made it easier to trade Palmer.
“We also find ourselves rather suddenly in position of being able to receive real value for Carson that can measurably improve our team, which is performing well and is showing real promise for this year and years to come,’’ he said.
Palmer, who had been working out in Southern California, already reported to the Raiders’ facility and will immediately start learning the offense. Oakland hosts Kansas City Sunday and then has a bye week.
“It’s been a whirlwind,’’ Palmer said. “I understand what’s expected of me. I know what playing quarterback is about, and it’s about winning. I want to come in and contribute and do whatever I can to help this team.’’
While Palmer has not played or practiced since last season, he has a history with Jackson, who was his offensive coordinator for two years at Southern Cal and the receivers coach in Cincinnati.
Jackson was with the Bengals when Palmer had his best season in 2005 when he threw for 3,836 yards with 32 touchdown passes and a 101.1 rating while leading the team to an AFC North title. Palmer tore up his left knee during a playoff loss to Pittsburgh that season.
He came back and had two solid seasons before partially tearing a ligament and tendon in his passing elbow during the 2008 season. He has not been an elite quarterback since, despite getting back to the playoffs in 2009.
