| 23 June 2010
Ever since January, when the Raiders hired new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, there has been rumbling speculation that the team could look to make a move to bring in Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Troy Smith. Hue Jackson was an offensive assistant in Baltimore since Smith was drafted by the team in the 5th round of the 07 draft. Depending on what Jackson saw in the former Heisman Trophy winner, he could look to bring him into the fold.
Well, Wednesday the Ravens signed former Pro Bowl quarterback Marc Bulger to a $3.5 Million contract in a move that officially puts Smith's spot on the roster in jeopardy.
He has said that he would not welcome a move to another position and with the team having re-signed former Miami second round pick John Beck this offseason, Smith could very well be the odd man out. Beck also has a leg up in the fact that the Ravens offensive coordinator is Cam Cameron who was the head coach of the Dolphins the year Miami drafted him.
The Raiders are instantly the most likely destination for Smith's services. Mainly because of the Hue Jackson connection but also because the team is not completely satisfied with the play of Charlie Frye. With Jason Campbell looking like the starter and Gradkowski as his backup, the Raiders have two quarerbacks that can tuck the ball and run when protection breaks down. Troy Smith can throw the ball but it is his feet that made him extra special at Ohio State. And he used them to run the Buckeyes right to the 2006 National Championship game. The Raiders could also use his services in that area should Jackson decide to follow the NFL trend and mix in some Wildcat type formations this season.
The Ravens could look to move him in the offseason in the hopes that they can get something in return. Or they could keep him around through the preseason before they make their final decision as to who they want carrying the clip board this season. But like Smith fits better with Raiders' Campbell and Gradkowski, Beck fits the pocket passer style of Flacco and Bulger.
The odds are stacked against Troy Smith remaining in Baltimore and they are rising that he ends up in Oakland.
From this point, the move would hinge on whether Troy Smith would be content as a third stringer again, or if he would change his stance and switch positions afterall.
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