Matt McGloin has been a survivor – and thriver – wherever he’s been a quarterback.
At Penn State, he was a walk-on who surpassed highly regarded recruits to become the team’s longterm No. 1.
Then, after not being drafted, he made the Raiders roster as a long shot in 2013 and wound up starting six games. Though he was just 1-5 in those games, the team’s offense was better under his command and he threw for eight touchdowns.
He’s also shined in the exhibition season when he’s had a chance to play. In the summer of 2014, he had an 89.7 quarterback rating and threw for four TDs. In 2013 he wasn’t quite as good – a 66.2 rating and three picks vs. two TDs – but made some big plays to make the Raiders roster.
Now, as the days count down to the opening of training camp in late July, McGloin could be the odd man out.
The Raiders have Derek Carr as No. 1 and former Viking Christian Ponder as No. 2, with McGloin No. 3 and undrafted free agent Cody Fajardo from Nevada as No. 4.
One story this week indicates that McGloin could be a late-summer trade candidate, barring any injuries. That scenario certainly seems plausible if Ponder – a former high first-round pick of Minnesota – plays well this summer and Fajardo continues to show promise.
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At that point, “McGloin might have more value to another team than he does to the Oakland Raiders,” a story on Fox Sports predicted. “And that’s why the team might consider trading him.”
McGloin, a battler who can throw the deep ball, might bring a late-round draft choice, especially late in the summer if another team suddenly runs into injury problems at quarterback.
Then again, McGloin survives. He could again surprise, by impressing his new coaching staff during training camp and exhibitions. It seems much less likely, however, given that Ponder has a strong arm, some starting experience and a relationship with new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave.
