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

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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BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals fumbles the ball with less than two minutes to go in the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Benga

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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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals calls a play at the line of scrimage while playing the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty

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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BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals passes against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens lead the Bengals 6-0 at the half. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

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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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Jordan Shipley #11 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches a pass in front of William Gay #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty

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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CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 24: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is sacked by Aaron Schobel #94 of the Buffalo Bills during the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2005 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bills won 37-27. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty

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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CHICAGO - AUGUST 28: Dan LeFevour #15 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 14-9. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

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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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 05: Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by Tracy Porter#22 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Saints won 34-30. (Photo by Andy L

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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INDIANAPOLIS - DECEMBER 07: Injured quarterback Carson Palmer of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on from the sideline against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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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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)

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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CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 26: Marvin Lewis the Head Coach of the Cincinnati Bengals watches play 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

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.