AP

Now that the Raiders have reeled in Matt Flynn and soon will unload Carson Palmer, the question becomes where will Palmer go?

Many think it will be with the Cardinals, for a mid-round pick and a reduced contract.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, those who know Palmer believe he wanted to land in Tampa, as the backup (and potential replacement) for Josh Freeman. “Doesn’t look that way now,” Schefter observes.

But Palmer still holds the cards. If he refuses to reduce his base salary from $13 million, he’ll eventually get cut, because no one will trade for him. Then, Palmer can sign with whoever he wants to sign with.

Of course, Palmer possibly is tapping the brakes because he realizes that, eventually, he’ll be criticized heavily for forcing his way out of two cities in less than two years. But if he chooses to put the pedal to the metal, he could still be wearing pewter, if the Bucs want him.

Regardless, Palmer will play for a new team in 2013. Whether it’s the Buccaneers or the Cardinals, his team will be facing a very stiff challenge in its division.