Raiders acquire QB Matt Flynn in trade with Seahawks

Mike Garafolo and Robert Klemko, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

What seemed imminent Friday is now truly imminent: Matt Flynn is on his way to the Oakland Raiders.

The Silver and Black have agreed to a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire the longtime backup quarterback in exchange for draft picks in 2014 and 2015, according to a person informed of the talks between the sides. The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the trade is not yet official, said the holdup was a new contract for Flynn, which was worked out over the weekend.

Flynn, who was owed $5.25 million in base salary in 2013, is expected to sign a new deal shortly after the trade is made official.

FoxSports.com reported the two picks Seattle will receive for Flynn will be late-round selections.

His arrival in Oakland paved the way for Carson Palmer's departure after less than two full seasons with the Raiders, who are finalizing a deal to place him with the Arizona Cardinals, a person informed of the talks between the sides told USA TODAY Sports.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade isn't yet complete, said the teams discussed a swap of late-round picks in 2013 while the Raiders would also pick up another Day 3 draft selection.

As for Flynn, he'll now get a second crack at becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Flynn impressed with the Green Bay Packers as a backup to Aaron Rodgers before joining the Seahawks last year, only to sit behind rookie Russell Wilson.

Flynn has started just two games in his five NFL seasons, both with the Packers, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2008 draft out of LSU. His last start came in January 2012 during the regular-season finale. Subbing for a resting Rodgers, Flynn threw for franchise records of 480 yards and six touchdowns in a win over the Detroit Lions.

Upon joining Seattle with a three-year deal worth $19.5 million, Flynn struggled to earn the starting role last summer while dealing with tendinitis in his throwing elbow. The problem persisted into the offseason even as he rehabilitated at the Athletes' Performance center in Gulf Breeze, Fla.

But Flynn's injury history and thin resume were no deterrent for the Raiders, apparently unsatisfied with the progress of 2011 supplemental draft pick Terrelle Pryor. Flynn could become the 16th quarterback to start a game for Oakland since Rich Gannon retired in 2004.

Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin sent a tweet Friday signaling Flynn's departure.

"Wishing Flynn the best on his endeavors in Oakland," Baldwin wrote. "Sad to see a friend leave, but excited for his opportunity. Great QB, even better man."

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Follow Mike Garafolo on Twitter @mikegarafolo and Robert Klemko @RobertKlemko