2011 NFL Trade Ideas: Is Carson Palmer the Miami Dolphins' Top Trade Target?

According to an article in the Miami Herald, the top veteran quarterback target in this year's market is not Kevin Kolb.

It's Carson Palmer.

It doesn't make sense at first, does it? 

Kolb is a 26-year-old with his future ahead of him; he's a potential franchise quarterback. 

Palmer?  He's a 31-year-old, grizzled nine year veteran who's hoping to have a few more good years left.

But the reasons beneath the surface tell the bigger reason why.

First off, Palmer has worked outside of the West Coast offense.  He would be a better fit for Miami's system. 

Second, Palmer won't cost a first round pick, like Kolb will.  Miami can probably nab him for their third round pick.  This allows Miami to utilize their first rounder on someone to upgrade the offense, whether it's Alabama's Mark Ingram or Julio Jones. 

Miami is in win-now mode.  They can't wait to develop a quarterback.  Palmer is more experienced and proven than Kolb. 

In other words, he's less of a risk.  And with an organization that plays it safe, knowing they are on a one year trial to return to the playoffs or be shown to the door, they will try to reduce risk in every way possible.

What do you think?  Would you choose Palmer and his second or third round pick cost, or Kolb and the first rounder?  Would you choose someone else? 

Is Palmer the acorn Miami is looking for, just like Chad Pennington?