Carson Palmer and 9 New Acquisitions Who Are Falling Flat

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If the Oakland Raiders are anything, it's consistent. It seems like almost every year they make a move that leaves the NFL world scratching its collective head. This year is no different.

In fact, with the acquisition of Carson Palmer, the Raiders may have lowered the bar to less than zero. Palmer cost the Raiders a first-round pick in 2012 and a possible second-round pick in 2013.

This is quite a ransom for a man that hadn't played a meaningful football game since last season. Furthermore, Palmer was overrated to begin with. He basically had one good season (2005) and has been living off that year ever since. He's the poor man's Joe Namath.

So, what have the Raiders received for overvaluing Palmer?

Well, the got a costlier, older version of the man he replaced, Jason Campbell.

So far as a starter for the Raiders, Palmer is 3-2 with eight touchdown passes, nine interceptions and a 77.5 quarterback rating. Campbell was 4-2 as a starter, with six touchdown passes, four interceptions and a 84.2 quarterback rating.

The Raiders could have just saved the drafts picks and waited until Campbell returned next season. But that wouldn't be a "Commitment to Excellence," I guess. (Hasn't that expression become a punchline by now?)

However, Palmer isn't a singularity when it comes to new acquisitions this year that have fallen flat.

Todd Heap, Arizona Cardinals

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Todd Heap has completely disappeared since going to Arizona. That being said, has there every been a person not named Kurt Warner who hasn't disappeared since going to Arizona?

Before going to there, Heap averaged 47 catches a season over his career. He has 13 receptions for 150 yards in limited action this year.

Lee Evans, Baltimore Ravens

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Lee Evans is one of those guys that screams potential, but for one reason or another, hasn't quite fulfilled it. Granted, he played in Buffalo for many years without a real quarterback throwing him the ball.

However, a change in scenery hasn't done him much good. In five games, Evans has three catches for 53 yards.

Chad Ochocinco, New England Patriots

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True, the New England Patriots only gave up a fifth-round pick in 2012 and a sixth-round pick in 2013 for Chad Ochocinco.

Despite the low draft picks, however, the Patriots expected to get some type of production out of Ochocinco. That has not happened.

Even the quality of his tweets has declined.

Currently, he's only 12 receptions ahead of guard Logan Mankins.

Antonio Cromartie, New York Jets

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Granted, Antonio Cromartie isn't a new acquisition for the New York Jets. But considering that the Jets wanted Nnamdi Asomugha and got stuck with keeping Cromartie (a four-year, $32 million contract, no less), this falls into the "everything old is new again" category.

Cromartie has three interceptions this year, with two of them coming against Luke McCown (yes, the Luke McCown).

He has been productive in two areas: penalties and touchdowns surrendered.

He's ranked fourth among cornerbacks in both categories.

Vince Young, Philadelphia Eagles

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Regardless of the fact that Vince Young was signed to be Michael Vick's backup, his play has been an unmitigated disaster.

In five appearances, three of them starts, he has thrown four touchdown passes and nine interceptions.

And people have a problem with Tim Tebow's mechanics?

Quintin Mikell, St. Louis Rams

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In Philadelphia, Quintin Mikell had Brian Dawkins playing beside him.

In St. Louis, he has Darian Stewart. Not having a quality veteran like Dawkins near you can expose weaknesses.

It's not as if Mikell is terrible, but for four years at $28 million, he should be more than not terrible.

His tackling is average, and his passes defensed are down from previous years. And he's on the wrong side of 30 years old (31).

Paul Posluszny, Jacksonville Jaguars

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Although going to Jacksonville is equivalent to ending up in Dante's first circle of hell, that doesn't excuse Paul Posluszny for being mediocre.

After signing a six-year, $42 million contract, Posluszny has gone out and recorded two sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.

Yippee!

And don't point to his tackles, which currently stand at 95. He's a middle linebacker. Just by standing there, he should get at least 100 tackles for the season.

Steve Breaston, Kansas City Chiefs

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Huh?

This signing was ridiculous before Matt Cassel got hurt, but now, it seems down right atrocious. The Chiefs are paying Breaston $25 million over five years.

Breaston was a good third receiver for the Cardinals when they had Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but as the No. 2 receiver, the Chiefs overpaid.

He has two touchdowns so far this season.