Oakland Raiders: 5 Quarterback Alternatives in 2012

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Vince Young

Though former coach Hue Jackson invested a lot into quarterback Carson Palmer, things have not—and don't appear to be—working out very nicely.

Palmer was content on staying retired rather than playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. That alone should question his competitive edge and willingness to sauced.

While he didn't have a lot of time to gel with the Oakland Raiders in 2011, the quarterback job is still his to lose. However, many Raiders fans do not believe he is the right man to rescue the team. He struggled last season and hasn't proven to be the franchise quarterback that he has been constantly titled as.

This slideshow shows five quarterbacks that could make a difference for the silver and black in 2012. There are still a few options on the market, and the draft is right around the corner.

Here are five additional quarterbacks who should be considered to ultimately replace Carson Palmer in Oakland.

Byron Leftwich

Byron Leftwich is a former first-round draft pick who has proven to be successful in this league. Though things haven't really worked out for him since his departure from the Jacksonville Jaguars, he still has a lot to offer.

He was mediocre in a stint with Atlanta and didn't make the most of his chance to start with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading him to a backup role with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This should make him hungry to succeed in 2012. In his early 30s, he is experienced but running out of time to show he can start in the NFL.

He could bring leadership and inspiring play to the Oakland Raiders. He has also started in a playoff game, something that not many Raiders have done.

Vince Young

Vince Young believes that he can start on a National Football League team. Even Andy Reid thinks Young can be successful in 2012. The only thing holding Young back is immaturity and inconsistency.

He has a decent arm and is very mobile. He has been to Pro Bowls and has been impressive in the past. He didn't live up to his self-declared hype in 2012, but is still good enough to make a difference on a football team.

If he can just stay stable emotionally and on the football field, there is no reason why Young can't find success on the Oakland Raiders.

Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins would be a valuable pick for the Oakland Raiders. He could be more pro-ready then currently projected by scouts and should be available after the second round if the Raiders wanted to address other needs first.

At 6'3'' and 214 pounds, he has a decent frame and is a proven winner in the collegiate ranks. His draft stock has risen since the combine, and he is one of the more accurate quarterbacks in the draft.

If the Raiders want to find a mid-round gem to work around in 2012, Cousins is ready to effectively manage NFL games and would bring some wins to Oakland.

Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson is not a traditional pocket passer, but he still has a lot to offer to the Oakland Raiders. He has a decent arm and can make plays on his feet. His mobile ability can hurt a defense and keep them off-guard. He is a clutch performer who impressed at the combine.

If the Raiders are looking for a play-making quarterback, Wilson should be available in the middle-to-late rounds of the draft. He could really be a steal for where he is drafted, and if he can adjust to the NFL game, he will be a very dangerous player.

Terrelle Pryor

Terrelle Pryor was taken by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2011 NFL Supplemental Draft. He had a fantastic, but controversial college career at Ohio State, possibly holding back his NFL success. He was actually suspended before actually taking a step onto an NFL field due to his actions at Ohio State.

Regardless, Pryor has potential to be a special player. He is a huge threat on the ground and can only get better as an all-around quarterback. He saw limited action in 2011, but that experience should give him an edge over a rookie if things ever came down to that.

Pryor has a lot to prove and a lot of athleticism to offer the Raiders. He is already on the roster and should at least be given a chance to prove he can play if the Raiders were looking for alternatives to Carson Palmer in 2012.

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