Given that the news broke in January that QB Carson Palmer(notes) desired beyond Cincinnati, the attention appears to have been on regardless of if the Bengals will trade him or keep hold of his rights.


For a nice and pondering another thing. If, indeed, Palmer is finished playing for any Bengals, the way we don't forget his profession in Cincinnati?


You're able to forget that Palmer wasn't a surefire, slam-dunk No. 1 overall choose for Cincinnati in 2003. At the NFL Scouting Combine that year, head coach Marvin Lewis indicated Palmer, QB Byron Leftwich(notes), WR Charles Rogers and CB Terence Newman(notes) had been towards the top of the Bengals' draft board.


Of 4 players, Palmer may be most precious pro, so a few Bengals credit for isolating the correct selection of that group. (More to do with this topic in a moment.)


The Bengals had been conservative with Palmer early. He wouldn't go on a single snap as a general rookie, just before succeeding Jon Kitna(notes) as starter in 2004. Palmer showed promise on his to begin with season being starter before speedily ascending into the elite on the position in '05, throwing 32 TD passes and just 12 interceptions while he led the Bengals to your AFC North title. Late during the season, he signed an understanding extension by way of 2014 that reportedly was really worth roughly $118.75 million.


10 days later, the Bengals hosted the Steelers during the wild-card round. On his team's second offensive play, Palmer hit Chris Henry for your 66-yard reception, but Steelers DE Kimo von Oelhoffen(notes) hit Palmer low, aided by the quarterback suffering torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in her left knee, amongst other traumas.


Remarkably, Palmer returned during time for the 2006 season, began all the games, and threw for four,035 yards. Nevertheless, the Bengals faded late, losing their final three games, though Palmer place them in position to win the summer season finale vs. Pittsburgh just before Shayne Graham(notes) missed a potential game-winning field goal.


The Bengals once more missed the playoffs in '07, additionally, the following season, Palmer would play just four games prior to going with season-ending suitable elbow injuries. The elbow healed with out surgery, and Palmer, one more time, returned for your full season of starts last year. Even so, the offense was re-tooled for the operating game and defense, a formula that worked wonderfully, because the Bengals swept their division rivals and won the AFC North. Palmer threw 21 TD passes but gained just 193.four passing yards per game, a career-low on the full season.


Finally, Palmer had another shot at a postseason start out, nevertheless with Jets CB Darrelle Revis(notes) blanketing Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco(notes), Palmer struggled, completing 18-of-36 passes for 146 yards that has a touchdown and a interception in Cincinnati's 24-14 loss.


As a direct consequence, the Bengals bolstered their receiving corps and opened the offense. Terrell Owens(notes) turned out to be an in a position complement to Ochocinco, and the Bengals' passing game was improved. But wins were rare, as Cincinnati faded to some 4-12 mark. Palmer threw 26 TD passes, but additionally 20 interceptions.
 Cincinnati Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander