The Bengals Insist They Won't Trade Palmer

The Cincinnati Bengals are standing their ground in the Carson Palme drama. They insist that Palmer will play in Cincy or retire. Knowing Palmer he'll think he's better off retiring than going back to Cincinnati. And knowing stubborn Mike Brown he'll keep him there, which I consider stupid.

Joe Reedy of he Cincinnati Enquirer asked a team official about Palmer being on the market and got this response. “When asked if Palmer was indeed on the market, a team official said that the organization’s stance toward the ninth-year quarterback has not changed — he will be playing here or retire.”

Considering all the quarterback starved teams in the NFL, the Bengals would be wise to move Palmer while they can still get some value for him. I'm sure the Arizona Cardinals would pay half a king's ransom to land a quarterback after the struggles they faced without Kurt Warner last season. It would set the Bengals back, but they've been set back for a while so I really don't think it matters if they trade him or not. He's regressed since the knee injury he suffered in the playoff game against Pittsburgh a few years back and hasn't been the same player. He could benefit from a change of scenery and become the player he once was. Also if the Bengals receive a good haul for Palmer it could make more for retooling than rebuilding.

If Palmer wants out, ship him out of town. I'm sure they'll get a good deal for a proven quarterback that still has a lot left. With te dysfunctional Bengals franchise, I'm sure he wants to go to where the grass is greener. Mike Brown needs to see the light and stop trying to be a hardliner and just trade the guy instead of flushing his career down the toilet.