Hurdles Remain For Fins To Get Carson Palmer
MIAMI (CBS4) - The Miami Dolphins are reportedly very interested in acquiring Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer to lead the Fins in 2011. The Bengals coaching staff is ready to see Palmer go.
The only problem that stands in the way is Bengals owner Mike Brown.
"I want him back," Brown told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I haven't talked to any other team about him. I have no plans to trade him."
This goes against what Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has said publicly. Lewis said Tuesday that when he compares the Bengals needs at wide receiver and quarterback, "The QB need is greater," according to Joe Reedy.
For the Dolphins, Palmer would be a reliable, veteran quarterback to lead a team that's only missing a few elements to make them a serious contender. Unfortunately, quarterback has been the team's biggest need for years.
Since legendary quarterback Dan Marino stepped away after the 1999 season, the Fins have had 17 different quarterbacks. Among those who have started for the Dolphins: Jay Fiedler, Safe Rosenfels, Brian Grese, Cleo Lemon, John Beck, and Joey Harrington.
Needless to say, Fins fans would love to see Palmer under center when the team takes the field in 2011. It would also ease the minds of the coaching staff who have Chad Henne now, but he may not be the long-term solution.
For his career, Palmer has thrown for 22,694 yards, 154 touchdowns, and 100 interceptions. He has a career passing rating of 86.9. He's also played in every game of the season in each season, with the exception of 2008 and 2004.
But, for the Fins to acquire Palmer, Brown will have to give his blessing. Brown left the door cracked when he said he hasn't talked with any other team about a trade. This is true because team's can't trade players until a CBA is reached.
After that, the market will likely pick up for Palmer and other quarterbacks including Kevin Kolb and Vince Young.
There's also the chance the Fins could take their chances in the NFL Draft. While Missouri's Blaine Gabbert and Auburn's Cam Newton will likely be gone by the time the Fins pick, there's a chance that the team could target Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett with the number 15 pick.
But, don't expect a trade involving players in the NFL Draft. Until a new CBA is reached, all that can be traded is picks. So the usual momentum of players being moved before and during draft day will not commence until a new CBA is agreed on, or the court system orders the lockout lifted.
