NFL Trade Speculation: 5 Possible Destinations for Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer is getting a lot of attention lately.

After expressing his displeasure with the direction of the Bengals' franchise, Palmer told ESPN’s Chris Mortenson that he’ll retire if he isn’t traded out of Cincinnati by the start of the 2011 season.

Moves are still on hold as the lockout looms, but Palmer remains one of the most coveted players on the trading block. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards in 2010 and could still be in his prime at age 31.

Here are five possible landing spots for the former Pro-Bowler.

5. Cincinnati Bengals

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CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 21: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks off of the field after throwing an interception late in the fourth quarter of the Bengals 49-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Cincinnati,

Regardless of Palmer’s demands, the Bengals will still have the final say.

If they choose not to trade their disgruntled QB, there is a chance he could be swayed to stay in Cincinnati. The opportunity to play with the young A.J. Green is appealing. He's also signed through the 2014 season. If Ochocinco and/or Terrell Owens leave this offseason, Palmer might be enthralled by the opportunity to lead a younger, less flamboyant offense.

Marvin Lewis has expressed his admiration toward the young Andy Dalton, but if Palmer was to decide to return the Bengals, they would remain a playoff contender.

4. Tennessee Titans

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies scrambles against the Stanford Cardinal on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. Stanford won 41-0. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Titans surprised a lot of people by taking Jake Locker with the eighth overall pick in the draft this year, but not because QB wasn’t an obvious team need.

Locker is a formidable plan for the future, but he simply isn’t ready to compete at an NFL level. The addition of Palmer would make a lot of sense in Tennessee because he would be an excellent tutor for Locker and could make the Titans an immediate contender in the process.

Neither Vince Young nor Kerry Collins will be the starter in Tennessee in 2011; starting Locker immediately would endanger his development.

3. Washington Redskins

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Head coach Mike Shanahan of the Washington Redskins watches the action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

If the Redskins are going to part ways with Donovan McNabb, they will need a formidable signal-caller to make some noise in the NFC East. Mike Shanahan has kept quiet about Washington’s plans for addressing the position, but Palmer could be their guy, as he is already familiar with a West Coast offense.

John Beck nor Rex Grossman will be enough to compete in one of the league’s toughest divisions. The addition of Palmer could move the Redskins into the playoff discussion.

2. Arizona Cardinals

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TEMPE, AZ - JANUARY 29: Quarterback Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals announces his retirement from football during a press conference at the team's training center auditorium on January 29, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty

The Cardinals surprisingly didn’t address their QB issues during the draft. They seem poised to make a move via trade, as this year’s free agent class is especially thin at the position.

The former USC quarterback would immediately turn the Cardinals into a contender. The team averaged just 182.6 passing yards per game in 2010; only Carolina averaged fewer.

Larry Fitzgerald would immediately return to Pro-Bowl form with Palmer throwing to him, and former Cardinals QB Kurt Warner said he feels Palmer would be the best fit for his former team.  

Ken Whisenhunt’s job is likely on the line, so a move needs to be made and fast.

1. Seattle Seahawks

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MIAMI - JANUARY 2: (L-R) Alfonso Cueto, Immediate Past President of the Orange Bowl committee, head coach Pete Carroll, Troy Polamalu #43, Carson Palmer #3 and Athletic Director Mike Garrett of USC celebrate the victory over Iowa in the FedEx Orange Bowl

The Seahawks are a perfect fit for Palmer.

QB Charlie Whitehurst isn’t a formidable NFL starter, and Matt Hasselbeck has yet to sign an extension. Palmer would have nothing to complain about in Seattle.  The Seahawks already have a respectable offensive line, and young receivers such Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu would benefit greatly from the seven-year starter.

Plus if Palmer went to Seattle, he’d be reunited with Pete Carroll, whom he played under for two seasons at USC. The duo would immediately cement their team as a favorite in the dreadful NFC West.