Where Will Palmer Play?

Bengals (for now) Starting QB, Carson Palmer

After a 4-12 season playing alongside both Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, it's not a huge surprise Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is asking for a trade.  The only problem is, Bengals owner Mike Brown says he absolutely "will not trade Carson".  Unfortunately for Palmer, Brown has a history of sticking to his word.  Just last year, disgruntled wide receiver Chad Ochocinco demanded a trade out of Cincinnati.  Brown wouldn't even field offers for Ocho, leaving him with the Bengals and without fan support.  If history is any indication, things are looking grim for Palmer.  In fact, Ochocinco himself recently tweeted his thoughts on the quarterback's situation:

"Carson Palmer demands a trade? Last person demanded a trade in Cincy was crucified by the media n had to win the fans back, how will this go?"

There may some hope, however, for Palmer.  The Bengals have the 4th pick in April's draft, and with it an opportunity to take a (potentially) elite quarterback of the future.  Nobody can argue Palmer's success on the field has been down as of late, and drafting a quarterback may be in the team's best interest regardless if Palmer is with them next season.  If the Bengals are confident they can land a quarterback they believe in, Palmer may become a tradable asset, specifically one that could get them a valuable draft pick in return.



So if Palmer is on the move, where might he land?  Here's a list of likely destinations:

1. The Minnesota Vikings
Owner Zygi Wilf insists the Vikings are not in rebuilding mode.  They believe they still have the core that got them one play from the Super Bowl last season.  If the Vikings can address issues at quarterback, offensive line and safety, they just might be right.  I think the Vikings will take hard looks at Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb before turning to Palmer, but he still is a strong candidate.  They will probably look to address quarterback in the draft as well, but Palmer may be an ideal bridge until their 'quarterback of the future' is ready.

2. The Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have a solid receiving corp, obviously headlined by All-Pro Larry Fitzgerald.  Since the combination of Derek Anderson and John Skelton didn't work out last season, they will definitely be in the market for a quarterback.  Additionally, Palmer's wife is from the Phoenix area and his family is familiar with the area.

3. The San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have been plagued with underachieving quarterback play for years.  With an improving defense and some playmakers like Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore on offense, Palmer may be the player they need to make it to the next level.  Playing in the Bay area would also put him just up the road from his alma mater, USC, where he would have a steady fan base.


Regardless of where he plays next season, Palmer needs to prove that his subpar play was a result of his team and situation, not his talent level.  If he can regain his form of old he may become a franchise QB for another team, or better yet, a Super Bowl Champion.