NFL Trade Rumors: 10 Reasons Carson Palmer Is No Longer a Viable NFL Starter

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer demanded a trade last month. He even went so far as to threaten retirement. Well, Barry Sanders he is not.

The Bengals were 4-12 last year with Palmer playing in all 16 contests. Whether or not he remains a Bengal, here are 10 reasons he should no longer be considered for Cincinnati's starting quarterback spot.

Attitude

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Many players send messages through the media, whether it be a direct comment to a reporter or a tweet. Talented players who feel stuck in a losing situation will sometimes ask for help in the form of another star player.

However, demanding a trade publicly is the ultimate slap in the face to your teammates.

Past His Prime

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While Palmer just recently turned 31, injuries to his knee and elbow add up to the wear and tear of a much older player.

Lack of Mobility

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Palmer has no mobility when he gets flushed out of the pocket. His 93 rushing yards in 2010 were a career high. Additionally, his pocket passing leaves him vulnerable to injury.

Leadership

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Cincinnati's young receiving core of Jordan Shipley (above) and Jermaine Gresham need a quarterback who wants to lead. Palmer's recent behavior has shown leading isn't on his to-do list.

Accuracy

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While Palmer was sixth in the league in passing yards, his completion percentage was the lowest of anyone in the top nine.

With Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco as passing targets, his percentage looks even worse.

Fans Have Given Up on Him

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By the end of the 2010 season, Bengals fans were cheering for rookie backup Dan LeFevour to replace Palmer.

Domino Effect

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Palmer's insubordinate behavior last month sends the message that it's OK for teammates Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens to act like idiots, too.

Better Off a Mentor

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At this stage in his career, Palmer might be better off mentoring a young quarterback like Jake Delhomme did for Colt McCoy in Cleveland last season.

Touchdown to Interception Ratio

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Palmer threw 26 touchdowns against 20 picks in 2010. Some teams can take the bad with the good but not teams that go 4-12.

Relationship wIth Coaches

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Palmer's relationship with Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is rocky at best, and new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden won't even talk to him.