NFL Trade Rumors: Will Cincinnati Bengals Move Carson Palmer by Trade Deadline?

Despite the fact that it would make all the sense in the world for the Cincinnati Bengals to trade disgruntled and partially-retired quarterback Carson Palmer before the NFL's Oct. 18 trade deadline, they almost certainly will not do it.

Bengals owner/general manager Mike Brown feels that if he gives in to Palmer's demands, it would set a precedent that players who do not want to fulfill their contracts can force the team's hand. ESPN's Adam Schefter agrees, saying he doesn't think Brown will move the quarterback this year, or maybe ever.

Honestly, I can see both sides of this argument. Palmer is tired of playing for a franchise that hasn't protected him investing money in its offensive line. He has been beaten and battered over the past few seasons and feels he doesn't have to suffer through that anymore. He'd rather retire than experience another season where he takes an absolute pounding and risks serious injury.

On the flip side, Brown feels that Palmer should honor his contract and doesn't want to appear to be caving in to a trade demand.

I understand both perspectives, and they both have a point. Palmer doesn't need football to be happy, and while I'm sure he would love to be playing, the situation in Cincinnati had become untenable. Meanwhile, Brown is content to let Palmer stay retired.

While it would make sense for the Bengals to trade their former franchise quarterback and at least net something in return for him, Brown doesn't think like that, and I think this has become personal to him. I think he not only wants to prove a point, but also doesn't mind seeing Palmer sidelined for at least the rest of this season.

It would probably be best if Brown just traded Palmer away to end the standoff, but I sincerely doubt it happens any time soon.