Terrelle Pryor asks for trade out of Oakland, roller coaster ride likely over

Dec 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) is sacked by Denver Broncos defensive ends Malik Jackson (97) and Robert Ayers (91) at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the recent signing and contract restructuring of proven veteran quarterback Matt Schaub and the Raiders reported interest in drafting a young talent in the 2014 NFL Draft to develop, the writing appeared to be on the wall for fan favorite Terrelle Pryor when it comes to his future in Oakland.

It appears that Pryor is also wasting no time in moving on from the Raiders after finding out that he likely has no chance at earning back the starter’s role that he beat out career backup Matt Flynn for in the 2013 Preseason, demanding that Reggie McKenzie trade him to a new team.

The development should heat up Raider Nation as Pryor has earned himself a cult following thanks to some impressive moments of brilliance as a Raider, including a 2012 Week 17 performance against the Chargers as well as a 2013 win at home over the AFC West rivals. Pryor also earned the franchise record for longest run on a 93 yard touchdown in a home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers as another highlight that earned him the love of many in the Black Hole.

Still even with his highlight reel potential it was clear that Pryor often looked lost as an NFL starting quarterback and even with a damaged offensive line it did not appear that the former Ohio State star had enough potential for the Raiders to adjust their roster building plans and search for a capable long term starter while looking for their QB of the future in the draft. That was realized with the acquiring of Schaub on Friday and with Pryor’s contract set to expire next season.

Reggie McKenzie has been reported to have been shopping Pryor around prior to today’s development so it being out in the open could either help a deal get done or sink Pryor’s stock as the unproven quarterback has little value other than his athletic ability which could mean that Pryor may have to be released to find his next team. An intriguing talent that could be useful should he continue to improve on his throwing mechanics and ability inside of the pocket, Pryor should land somewhere as a backup/third QB sooner than later. However his exit from Oakland comes as no surprise as Pryor’s days were numbered after Matt McGloin came out of the woodwork as a more reliable backup option under a longer contract and more of a willingness to be #2 on the depth chart.

For Pryor fans today will be a day of anger and disappointment as the player earned himself the love of the Raider Nation as a hard working underdog who was also great with the fans and the community during his time in Oakland as well as being the final move of Raiders owner Mark Davis who gave Pryor a shot after his suspension from Ohio State. His time in Oakland will be a memorable footnote, but ultimately once he leaves Oakland he will join a long line of Raiders quarterbacks of the 2000’s who simply did not have enough of the full package to be the franchise QB that Oakland has been waiting on since Rich Gannon.