Palmer's fate coming down to a test of wills

[Mr. Scot]

From Clark Judge at CBS: One man's opinion

Judge - citing "a GM with a club that could use a quarterback" - says Head Coach Marvin Lewis is firmly convinced, as are others, that there's no way Palmer will ever play for the Bengals again. His preference would be to get at least something for him rather than just losing him with nothing to gain.

On the flipside is Bengals owner Mike Brown. He's so far been unwilling to budge, at least in part because he fears the precedent that it might set. What happens if other players start making the same demands? Given how crappy the Bengals have been (and for how long a time) that'd seem to be a distinct possibility.

Brown, of course, has the final say, but I expect Lewis will do all he can to convince him of the wisdom of parting with Palmer voluntarily.

As a side note, stuff like this always makes me wonder if Mike Brown actually believes he's good at what he does; or if, perhaps, he knows that he's an idiot.

[Proudiddy]

Lol @ "the precedent" meaning there will be a jail break and mass exodus if Palmer gets his way. Pun intended.

[teeray]

Mike Brown might eventually move him but it might not be until after preseason starts./ He is going to hold out as long as he possibly can. And he might force Palmer's hand. He is that crazy.

[mav1234]

Can you trade the rights to a retired player?

[teeray]

Can you trade the rights to a retired player?

That is a good question. And I think you can bc even if he retires the Bengals retain his rights until his contract expires.

But who would trade for a retired player?? I guess that team would have assurances.

[Mr. Scot]

Brown faced a decision like this once before.

Boomer Esaiason made a similar demand, though less publicly than Palmer. Brown responded by drafting David Klingler in the first round and then letting go of Esaiason the next season.

He could conceivably go the same route this year, or just do it all at once. I suspect Palmer being so public about this has hurt the chances of that though. He might have been wiser to keep all this in-house and thus not threaten Brown's ego.

[mav1234]

I can't remember the details of Favre's stuff with the Pack/Jets/Vikings with his retirement. Someone with a better memory might be able to fill us in there.

I think that what might happen is Brown forces him into retirement, then the Bengals talk to him and explain that they will trade him if they can find a trade partner, then try to gouge some QB-desperate team.

[Mr. Scot]

Can you trade the rights to a retired player?

I suspect you can. I know you can release them. Washington did it with Deion Sanders a few years back.

Sanders wanted to join the Raiders, but Marty Schottenheimer (then with the Chargers) prevented it by putting in a waiver claim. San Diego was higher in the waiver order than Oakland.

Since Sanders and Schottenheimer were notoriously at odds, Deion chose to stay retired.

[DaCityKats]

send him to the bills for the last laugh.

[teeray]

I suspect you can. I know you can release them. Washington did it with Deion Sanders a few years back.

Sanders wanted to join the Raiders, but Marty Schottenheimer (then with the Chargers) prevented it by putting in a waiver claim. San Diego was higher in the waiver order than Oakland.

Since Sanders and Schottenheimer were notoriously at odds, Deion chose to stay retired.

Yeah but can you trade him after he retires?? I think you can trade his rights. Do you know Scot???

[Mr. Scot]

Practically speaking, they'd be wiser to send him out of conference, and Lord knows there are some QB needy teams in the NFC.

As a side note, there's no real evidence to say "yes or no" within the article itself, but the "GM with a club that needs a quarterback" could very easily be a guy that works in Charlotte.

[Jangler]

Tiki Barber just came back after 4 years but was still under contract. They said they would release him, yes?

If Palmer retires it might take that long for the Bungles to do the same.

Also, if we take Cam in the draft, I really don't think we will make a play for Palmer.

[Mr. Scot]

If they go that route, I think it'll probably only be one year.

Remember, Tiki's time off was completely voluntary.

[cdandi1]

I personally think a change of scenery is exactly what palmer needs. New coaching staff, young nucleus, and a chance to start are exactly what he needs.

Edit: I know he has always been a starter, but with that kind of money saved, he probably would stay retired if a team wanted him strictly as a bench warmer mentor.