For Cincinnati Bengals fans, the only thing more exciting than the team's surprising 4-2 start is just how great the future looks from here. The Carson Palmer trade was greeted with overwhelming excitment from fans in Cincinnati, a deal that netted the up-and-coming Bengals another first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and second-round pick that could turn into a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Josh Kirkendall, managing editor of SB Nation's Bengals site Cincy Jungle, called the Palmer trade "pure gold."
Carson Palmer Trade Nets Bengals ‘Pure Gold’
Originally Mike Brown's refusal to trade Quarterback Carson Palmer based on his principles that players can't demand their way out of Cincinnati, was honorable because few owners in professional sports truly stand up to players today. At the same time it was baffling. Not only would the team improve their personnel with draft picks that could result with an additional starter or two, it constantly left a cloud for a potential quarterback controversy if Palmer were ever to relent and return to the team.
Months later, the trade to Oakland, acquiring a first round pick for the 2012 NFL Draft and a second round pick in 2013 that could be upgraded to a first based on certain conditions, can only be viewed as genius. Additionally the move firmly tells quarterback Andy Dalton that they're completely behind him now.
Trading Palmer was a necessity. What they received from Oakland is pure gold; something that could be viewed impressively around the NFL.
For the Oakland perspective on the deal, be sure to check out Silver and Black Pride, SB Nation's Raiders site.
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