Carson Palmer: 5 Reasons Why He's a Good Fit for the San Francisco 49ers

Carson Palmer has asked the Cincinnati Bengals to trade him. The San Francisco 49ers would be wise to make an offer for Palmer.

The Bengals' owner, Mike Brown, has said he won't trade the unhappy quarterback. However, saying that is the only way that he can maintain any leverage in trade talks. Palmer would be let go if the price was right and may be traded even if it isn't.

Click here for an idea of what it would take to get Palmer.

Here is why Palmer is a good fit for the San Francisco 49ers.

1. Carson Palmer Can Still Play at a High Level

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CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 26: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals 34-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Carson Palmer played in the AFC North. The Steelers and Ravens are top defenses year after year.

Bill Barnwell at footballoutsiders.com says here that Carson Palmer had the second toughest "schedule for a quarterback who played all season."

Despite this, Palmer had a decent season. Here are his stats:

Quarterback rating: 82.4

Completion percentage: 61.8

Yards: 3,970 (sixth best)

Touchdowns: 26 (ninth)

Interceptions: 20

Palmer may not have the arm that he had in 2005, but he can still perform at a high level. The Bengals of 2010 were a mess offensively. They had a predictable offense with a poor running game (3.5 YPC), which forced Palmer to throw more than normal. Palmer would perform well in a better situation.

2. A Veteran Quarterback Is Low—Risk

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The 49ers need a quarterback. Sure, they could draft a quarterback and groom him for the future.

However, if they can get a quarterback like Jake Locker, Ryan Mallet or (gasp) Cam Newton, it will be a long road to the playoffs. All draft picks are a gamble. If an NFL team turns over the keys of the franchise to a rookie quarterback and he doesn't pan out, it sets them back years (see Alex Smith).

Everybody knows what Carson Palmer brings to the table. He is an average quarterback on some days, but an elite quarterback on other days.

3. the 49ers Need a Quarterback

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to throw a pass against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Image

The Alex Smith era is over. The Troy Smith era didn't really ever start. The 49ers are in need of a quarterback.

49ers general manager Trent Baalke is on record that it is a high priority to find a quarterback solution.
Troy Smith nor Alex Smith will not enter 2011 as the starter.

Carson Palmer is the best quarterback the 49ers could get.

4. What Are Their Other Options?

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 05: Troy Smith #1 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 5, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The 49ers can re-sign Troy Smith and give him a try as a starter. What are their other options?

Well, they could try to get a free agent quarterback. There isn't anybody close to Palmer available, but Matt Moore, Matt Leinert, or Matt Hasslebeck are out there. Not very enticing, huh?

What about David Carr? That obviously won't happen.

Maybe they could work out a deal for Donavan McNabb. McNabb may good for one or two more decent years but he is a little older than Palmer.

The 49ers could acquire Kevin Kolb. The asking price for Kolb is steep. The Eagles want a top pick and another high pick to go with it.

Palmer could likely be had for a second, or even third round pick.

5. the 49ers Have Other Needs In the Draft

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 07: General manager Trent Baalke speaks at a press conference where Jim Harbaugh was introduced as the new San Francisco 49ers head coach at the Palace Hotel on January 7, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Sha

While nobody doubts that the 49ers are in need of a quarterback, they have other needs on both sides of the ball. None of the top quarterbacks fit the scheme that will be used by Jim Harbaugh anyway.

The 49ers need a defensive end to play opposite of Justin Smith. They should be in position to grab Robert Quinn. They also couldn't go wrong with Prince Amukamara. Both of those guys are much safer than the quarterbacks in the draft.

If the 49ers could get a reliable veteran like Carson Palmer, they will be free to focus their attention on other needs.