The big difference is that those team are going to have a shot at somewhere between the best prospect in 30 years, or three other good prospects. The Raiders are playing THIS year and don't have a franchise QB, while the guy that was not very good but holding down the fort got injured. They had to do something.He is not sitting at home because he needed back surgery.
And who wanted Palmer? Or should I say who, currently, was willing to trade even one first rounder for him let alone two? I don't believe for a second that the Dolphins, Colts, or any other organization would have traded one first rounder this year (especially considering Luck's out there) or next for him.
I don't know anything about Gerrard's health condition, but assuming he is healthy, you're right. They could've at least seen what Gerrard had before taking on Palmer. It's insane Gerrard has just been sitting so far this season.