The Cincinnati Bengals identified their quarterback situation by drafting TCU's Andy Dalton with the 35th overall pick in the draft. With that move, everyone seems to conclude Carson Palmer is done in Cincinnati.
While Palmer has insisted he wants to be traded, saying he'd rather retire than return to Cincinnati, people working for the Bengals believe owner Mike Brown feels Palmer is coming back to lead the team in 2011 or will retire. There doesn't seem to be any notion that Brown will entertain a trade, even if the compensation is outstanding. The Brown family has handled the situation well so far, being non-confrontational. However, when the lockout is lifted, they will get calls about Palmer.
If the Eagles really have an offer of a first-round pick for Kevin Kolb, who had seven touchdowns and seven interceptions last season, then what is Palmer worth? Granted, Palmer's five years older at 31, but he had 26 touchdowns to 20 interceptions in 2010.
If Brown is willing to take the call, he will get a 2012 first-round pick and a veteran player for Palmer. Some might think Brown will ignore the offers, but if he does, that's when coach Marvin Lewis has to go in his office and suggest that it's time to let Palmer go.
