Carson Palmer: Ranking the 10 Most Likely Destinations for Palmer

One of the biggest names that may or may not be available once the NFL lockout is lifted is Carson Palmer. He has threatened to retire. Cincinnati owner Mike Brown is not willing to trade him. It's going to get ugly.

That said, here's a look at the 10 most likely destinations for Carson Palmer.

Now, can they just get the lockout settled so we can start talking about actual football news? 

10. Cincinnati Bengals

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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 sounds pretty intent on sitting out the 2011 NFL season unless the Bengals trade him. Mike Brown isn’t likely to cave to his demands.

Unless one of these proud gentlemen have a change of heart, he will not wear the orange and black stripes.

9. Oakland Raiders

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ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 18: New Oakland Raiders coach Hue Jackson pauses as he speaks to reporters during a press conference on January 18, 2011 in Alameda, California. Hue Jackson was introduced as the new coach of the Oakland Raiders, replacing the fired

Palmer would probably be an upgrade over Jason Campbell, but it’s not enough of an upgrade to part ways with the compensation that Cincinnati would be looking for.

8. Minnesota Vikings

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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 02: Interim head coach Leslie Frazier of the Minnesota Vikings looks on from the bench while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 20-13. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Gett

The Vikings need to bring in a veteran, so they don’t have to rush Christian Ponder into action. I don’t think the QB they bring in will be one that will demand to start for the whole year.

7. Arizona Cardinals

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TEMPE, AZ - APRIL 29: (L-R) Head coach Ken Whisenhunt, first round draft pick Patrick Peterson and general manager Rod Graves of the Arizona Cardinals pose together during a press conference to introduce Peterson at the team's training center auditorium

While the Cardinals will likely deal for a quarterback, it appears that Kevin Kolb is their target.

6. Buffalo Bills

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills readies to pass against the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Bills seem content going with Ryan Fitzpatrick. They can’t afford to trade away their picks to go after a guy like Palmer anyway.

5. San Francisco 49ers

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 07: Jim Harbaugh speaks at a press conference where he 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 Shaw/Getty Images)

The Niners will likely bring Alex Smith back. They drafted Colin Kaepernick. While Palmer would be an upgrade, he doesn’t make sense.

4. Washington Redskins

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Fans of the Washington Redskins show support for their team during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

It wouldn’t surprise me if the Redskins made a play. Rex Grossman isn’t gonna cut it, and John Beck is a long shot. The Skins feel compelled to give Beck a shot though.

3. Seattle Seahawks

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks looks on from the sideline in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo

Pete Carroll is familiar with Carson Palmer, so this isn’t a reach. The Seahawks seem content to bring Matt Hasselbeck back though.

2. Miami Dolphins

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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 25: Mardy Fish poses for a photo with Cheerleaders from the Miami Dolphins during the Sony Ericsson Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 25, 2011 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The fish need to upgrade their quarterback situation. Chad Henne isn’t cutting it. This could be the No. 1 location for Palmer if he’s dealt.

1. His Couch

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 13: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings meets with Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals after their game on December 13, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Bengals

Carson Palmer has made it clear that he is not playing for the money. He has invested wisely and will retire if he has to.

Mike Brown doesn’t want to set a precedent, so we have a true stalemate. The closest Palmer gets to football is watching it on HDTV in his man cave.

Fantasy Football Quarterback Situations

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Eli Manning and Peyton Manning at the 2005 Fantasy Football Training Camp held at the South Street Seaport on July 18, 2005 in New York City (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Also check out:

• AFC East Quarterback Situations
• AFC North Quarterback Situations
• AFC South Quarterback Situations
• AFC West Quarterback Situations
• NFC East Quarterback Situations
• NFC North Quarterback Situations
• NFC South Quarterback Situations
• NFC West Quarterback Situations