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Home > Blogs > Cincinnati Bengals > Archives > 2011 > March > 02
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Palmer’s stance, labor unrest will force Bengals to draft QB
Word is that Carson Palmer has declared he will never set foot in Paul Brown Stadium again.
He claims to have $80 million in the bank and I have no reason to doubt him. Palmer doesn’t seem like the type to waste his money like many pro athletes do.
The problem is, Palmer has picked the worst possible time to demand a trade.
The Bengals, specifically Mike Brown, can’t even listen to trade offers or package deals that might include draft picks. There is no collective bargaining agreement and it doesn’t look like there will be anytime soon.
The NFL is headed for a lockout and there will be no wheeling and dealing by anyone until the players and owners come to an agreement.
So, what do you do if you’re the Bengals?
Brown must realize that he won’t win this battle with Palmer, even though he won’t admit it publicly. He and head coach Marvin Lewis must be contemplating what to do about the most important position on the team.
And really, there’s just one choice: draft a QB.
Cincinnati won’t be able to trade for a QB anytime soon and I doubt even Brown thinks backup Jordan Palmer or third-stringer Dan LeFevour can do the job.
Plus, the Bengals need something - anything - to get the fans back and drive ticket sales.
Now THAT is something Brown understands.
Enter Cam Newton.
The Auburn QB is a physical marvel and exciting, but unpolished and a bit of wild card in terms of his ability to run an NFL offense and make accurate throws against pro defenses.
I’d prefer the Bengals take Blaine Gabbert of Missouri, who I think is the most NFL-ready.
Another option would be to fill another need in the first round and take a QB in the second round. There will be plenty of options available, like Jake Locker of Washington.
Which way will the Bengals go?
All you have to do is look at what sells, and that’s Newton.
Let’s just hope he’s not another Akili Smith or David Klingler.
