After having his bluff called by management and being forced into “retirement,” the football gods have finally granted 31 year-old Bengals QB Carson Palmer his wish to be traded.
After Raiders QB Jason Campbell suffered a collarbone injury which will put him on the sidelines for the immediate future, a window of opportunity opened for Carson Palmer. Before the season began, Palmer had given the Bengals an ultimatum, “trade me or I’ll retire,” the Bengals called his bluff and though Palmer didn’t formally retire, he refused to be a part of the team in any capacity.
With the Raiders needing a QB, the Bengals have struck a deal that will send Palmer to Oakland in exchange for a 2012 first-round draft pick and a conditional 2013 pick, contingent on Palmer passing a physical.
The Bengals seemed content to keep Palmer on the shelf but the package the Raiders put together was too good to pass up.
In the wake of the death of Raiders legend Al Davis, the Raiders carried their late owner’s motto of “Just win baby” and have won two straight and are currently 4-2 on the year. The loss of Campbell put the Raiders in a desperate situation considering their back-up QB’s consist of Kyle Boller, who hasn’t started since 2009, and rookie Terrelle Pryor who simply isn’t ready.
Oakland will reportedly absorb all of Palmer’s remaining $11.5 million salary for 2011, but Palmer might have to find himself wearing the silver and black for the long haul. Campbell will be a free agent after the 2011 season, so if Palmer can step in and make an impact, considering what the Raiders have given up to get him, it’s highly possible that Campbell will be wearing a different uniform next season.
For Carson Palmer, it’s a second chance, one that isn’t often granted in professional sports, will this be his time to shine?
Sportsbooks, how about some Carson Palmer props?
