Ever since the news broke in January that QB Carson Palmer(notes) desired outside Cincinnati, major have been on whether or not the Bengals will trade him or retain his rights.


I have been pondering something different. If, indeed, Palmer is over playing for ones Bengals, how can we bear in mind his career in Cincinnati?


It is possible to forget that Palmer wasn't a surefire, slam-dunk No. 1 overall pick for Cincinnati in 2003. Along the NFL Scouting Combine that year, head coach Marvin Lewis indicated Palmer, QB Byron Leftwich(notes), WR Charles Rogers and CB Terence Newman(notes) have been at the top of the Bengals' draft board.


Individuals 4 players, Palmer may be most respected pro, so afford the Bengals credit for isolating the suitable selection because of that group. (Much more on this topic in a moment.)


The Bengals have been conservative with Palmer early. He do not relax and take a single snap to be a rookie, before succeeding Jon Kitna(notes) as starter in 2004. Palmer showed promise in his very first season as a general starter prior to easily ascending in the elite on the position in '05, throwing 32 TD passes for 12 interceptions as he led the Bengals into the AFC North title. Late within the season, he signed a partnership extension as a result of 2014 that reportedly was worth to as much as $118.75 million.


10 days later, the Bengals hosted the Steelers inside wild-card round. On his team's second offensive play, Palmer hit Chris Henry for one 66-yard reception, but Steelers DE Kimo von Oelhoffen(notes) hit Palmer reduced, considering the quarterback suffering torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in left knee, amongst other injuries.


Remarkably, Palmer returned in time for that 2006 season, began every game, and threw for 4,035 yards. Nonetheless, the Bengals faded late, losing their last 3 games, even though Palmer arrange them in position to win the season finale vs. Pittsburgh in advance of Shayne Graham(notes) missed a game-winning field goal.


The Bengals once again missed the playoffs in '07, as well as the following season, Palmer would play just four games prior to leaving with season-ending appropriate elbow injuries. The elbow healed with no surgery, and Palmer, yet again, returned for the full season of begins in '09. Nonetheless, the offense was re-tooled surrounding the running game and defense, a formula that worked wonderfully, being the Bengals swept their division rivals and won the AFC North. Palmer threw 21 TD passes but gained just 193.four passing yards per game, a career-low more than a full season.offensive line