The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Palmer's days with the Raiders appear close to ending, and his next likeliest landing spots already are coming into focus. Though the Raiders are likely to make one final push to get Palmer to renegotiate in lieu of trading for the Seahawks' Matt Flynn, Palmer will continue to resist any such overtures, according to a person informed of Palmer's thinking. The person said the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers are atop the list of Palmer's preferred new employers.

Diehards Line: Yahoo! Sports reported this week that Palmer recently turned down a $3 million pay cut from his $13 million base salary. It was an indication Palmer has no desire to return to Oakland, where he's gone 8-16 as a starter. The person informed of Palmer's thinking said nothing has changed, and Palmer will resist even a minimal pay cut. The Cardinals would allow Palmer at least a chance to be a starter. Arizona cut Kevin Kolb earlier this month and have Brian Hoyer, Drew Stanton, John Skelton, and Ryan Lindley on the roster. It should be noted that ESPN's Adam Schefter suggests it would be a major surprise if Palmer winds up joining the Cardinals, but Arizona Republic staffer Kent Somers reports the Cardinals will have some interest. Meanwhile, Palmer's willingness to back up Colin Kaepernick reveals his desire to be on the roster of a contending team. As USA Today's Mike Garafolo notes, Palmer has enjoyed just two winning seasons in nine years with the Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals. Both were in Cincinnati.