Trade Rumors: Is Terrelle Pryor done in Oakland?

On January 29th, Sports World Report released an article regarding trade rumors involving Oakland quarterback Terrelle Pryor. The article claims that Pryor has worn out his welcome and that the Oakland decision makers are opting to go with second-year QB Matt McGloin. Furthermore, potential destinations like Philadelphia, Minnesota and Houston are all mentioned.

It makes sense that Oakland wants to move on with McGloin and drop Pryor. Pryor had his moments during the season but he could never string together the kind of consistency GM Reggie McKenzie desires of a quarterback. He could never sustain drives and take some of the pressure of an overburdened defense.

McGloin is the kind of pure passer Oakland seemingly wants. McKenzie brought in Matt Flynn from Seattle for the starting gig before Flynn lost his job to Pryor in the offseason and, ultimately, his roster spot when he didn't step up in the game against Washington.

McGloin is of a similar mold to Flynn, but with more potential and a stronger arm. The former Penn State quarterback showed the willingness to air the ball out deep and stretch the field, something Flynn has never done too much of. Pryor was willing to throw deep as well, but his mechanics weren't great and he was more willing to scramble for the first.

In the end, McGloin outperformed Pryor and earned the starting job, although neither quarterback put up big numbers. McGloin was just more consistent, productive and avoided more drive-killing sacks (McGloin was sacked six times. Pryor? 31.)

Which means if McGloin has the job (although Oakland will definitely either draft a quarterback or sign another veteran to complete with McGloin), McKenzie has no reason to keep Pryor, especially since McGloin and Pryor require different types of offenses.

I don't see any teams willing to trade for Pryor considering how much of a developmental project he's still considered, which will force McKenzie's hand and prompt him to cut Pryor in order to save a little money for the salary cap.

But where would Pryor go?

Philadelphia is the leading option because Pryor is the younger, cheaper and, hopefully, more durable version of Michael Vick. If Philly signed Pryor, Vick is guaranteed to be cut loose because of his large contract. However, I don't see Pryor being able to catch on behind Nick Foles.

Houston was also listed, but with a receiver like Andre Johnson, the Texans and Bill O'Brien are going to want a passer with a more proven record than Pryor. Most likely, Houston will select a QB in the draft like Teddy Bridgewater or Johnny Manziel, depending on who O'Brien likes more.

Minnesota, in my opinion, seems like the best option. Pryor's a lethal running threat and could attract attention away from star running back Adrian Peterson. If Minnesota were to run a lot of play-action, the multi-dimensional threat of Pryor bootlegging and running would force a lot of single coverage and Pryor is just accurate enough that he can capitalize on a blown coverage.