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.

Tough Offseason Choices for the Cincinnati Bengals

The Mythical TOcho

After a disappointing 4-11 (thus far) season, there is little doubt major changes are coming to the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.  With a top 4 pick already secured,we know there will be some new talent on the field in 2011.  What we don't know, is which of their current stars will be wearing orange and black next year, as Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens and Carson Palmer all may be departing this offseason.

If they decide to let aging wideout Terrell Owens go, there is yet another whole to fill on offense.  A possible fit would be A.J. Green out of Georgia, who is one of the top receiver prospects since Randy Moss in the 1998 draft.  In this scenario, it might make sense to keep Palmer, at about $11.5 million, for the 2011 season.  Although Palmer has struggled this year, he is about to throw for 4,000 yards and is still a very capable quarterback. With the emergence of Jerome Simpson this season, Green will still have another receiver to help take the pressure and focus off, even without Ochocinco. Suddenly, the Bengals get a lot younger - and are possibly just as talented.