If Traded, Could Carson Palmer Lead the Miami Dolphins to the Playoffs?

Carson Palmer could significantly improve the Miami Dolphins chances of making the NFL playoffs this year. Of course, that's assuming Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown is willing to swallow his immense pride.

You all know the story by now. Carson Palmer wants to be traded from the dysfunctional Bengals organization. So much so that he's willing to retire if he's not moved. Neither side has budged in this standoff.

Then there's the Miami Dolphins, who need a quarterback. They tried to trade for Kyle Orton before the preseason kicked off but the Broncos were foolishly unwilling to deal.

Palmer is a more talented quarterback than Orton and at 31, should have a few more prime years left. Palmer's career got off to a very fast start (60 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in his second and third years in the league), but he's looked unmotivated in Cincinnati over the last few seasons.

A change of scenery could be exactly what this Heisman Trophy winner needs.  Miami would be a great place for him to get his career back on track.  With Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall, he'd have two elite receivers to throw to and would face relatively weak secondaries four times this year against Buffalo and New England. He'd also have Pro Bowl tackle Jake Long watching his blind side.

Assuming everyone could stay healthy and hungry, a QB/RB/WR trio of Palmer, Bush and Marshall would potentially be one of the best and most exciting in the league.  With a top-notch QB in Miami, the AFC East may not look like as much of a two-horse race (between New York and New England) as it is now.

Like I said at the start though, this all depends on Mike Brown's willingness to deal.  His team (and every other) is more than willing to cut players that aren't performing. So how dare a player look to cut himself from this team that is so poorly run?  Right Mike Brown?

The Bengals owner needs to put away the childishness and move this player that could still have great value around the league. And if they haven't already, the Dolphins need to at least inquire about what it would take to pry Palmer away.

Andy Bailey is on Twitter. Follow @_Andy_Bailey