Editing Carson Palmer (section)

===Cincinnati Bengals===

====2003 season====

{{See also|2003 Cincinnati Bengals season}}

On July 23, 2003, Palmer signed a six-year contract worth $42.69 million after being selected first overall by the [[Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer Contract and Earnings |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/arizona-cardinals/carson-palmer-1372/cash-earnings |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103133317/http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/arizona-cardinals/carson-palmer-1372/cash-earnings/ |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |access-date=January 2, 2018 |website=Spotrac }}</ref> Unlike most quarterbacks drafted first overall, Palmer did not play at all during his [[rookie]] season; instead, he learned the position during games and in practice under head coach [[Marvin Lewis]] and quarterbacks coach [[Ken Zampese]]. Veteran quarterback [[Jon Kitna]], who signed with the Bengals as an [[unrestricted free agent]] in [[2001 Cincinnati Bengals season|2001]], took every snap during the [[2003 Cincinnati Bengals season|2003 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2003.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063550/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2003.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2004 season====

{{See also|2004 Cincinnati Bengals season}}

After learning the position during his rookie season, Palmer was given the starting quarterback position for the 2004 season and started 13 games; the Bengals finished that season 8–8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2004.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063600/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2004.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Palmer made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the [[2004 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]. Palmer completed 18 of 27 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns, but threw a costly interception late as the Jets held on to beat the Bengals, 31–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets – September 12th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409120nyj.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063713/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409120nyj.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> "We came here expecting to win," Palmer said. "We had what we needed. We had what we wanted. We had the ball with two minutes to go in good field position and I turned it over. I can't make plays like that for us to win."

Over the next three weeks, Palmer struggled. In Week 2, he completed 21 of 38 passes for just 147 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception, but nonetheless recorded his first win as a starter over the [[2004 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati Bengals – September 19th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409190cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009041651/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409190cin.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 3, he completed 25 of 52 passes for 316 passing yards, but was picked off 3 times and lost a fumble in the 23–9 loss to the [[2004 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – September 26th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409260cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063533/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409260cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> "You can't get greedy," Palmer said. "When you're a young quarterback, you get greedy, and I have to fight that temptation. You need to develop patience. When something isn't there, you don't just throw it up in the air." In Week 4, Palmer was 20/37 for 164 yards with a touchdown but 2 costly interceptions as the Bengals lost 28–17 to a powerful [[2004 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 3rd, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410030pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063658/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410030pit.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Palmer went into the Bengals' week 5 bye with statistics of 84–154 for 875 yards with only three passing touchdowns against 11 sacks, eight total turnovers (seven interceptions and a lost fumble), and three straight games with passer rating of less than 60. The Bengals, meanwhile, were 1–3 and in last place in the [[AFC North]].

Palmer's performance improved from this low point, though it seesawed over the next five weeks. His rating was in the 60s in Weeks 6 (34–17 loss to the [[2004 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]), 8 (27–20 loss to the [[2004 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]]), and 10 (17–10 win against the [[2004 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]]), interspersed by a solid 85.0 in a Week 7 win over the [[2004 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]], and 94.8 in a win over the [[2004 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]], where he also rushed for a touchdown. In that stretch, Palmer averaged 204 yards per game with four touchdowns and five interceptions. After two touchdowns in a loss to Pittsburgh, in Week 12 Palmer threw a career high four touchdowns along three interceptions and 251 passing yards in a 58–48 shootout win over the Browns (106 points was the second most points in an NFL game).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – November 28th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411280cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115055411/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411280cin.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> "We kept putting them away, and they kept coming back," said Palmer. "We kept expecting them to slacken up, but they never did." In Week 13, Palmer threw for a career high 382 passing yards and 3 touchdown passes, including a 32-yard pass to [[T. J. Houshmandzadeh]] and a 22-yard pass to Chad Johnson to set up [[Shayne Graham]]'s game-winning field goal with 2 seconds left in the game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens – December 5th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200412050rav.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063632/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200412050rav.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In Week 14, Palmer's passer rating was above 100 for the third consecutive week when he sprained his knee in the third quarter. He missed the rest of the season and first put on the knee brace he wore for much of the rest of his career. His injury-shortened season ended with 18 touchdowns, 18 interceptions, and 2,897 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer 2004 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2004/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063718/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2004/ |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2005 season====

{{See also|2005 Cincinnati Bengals season}}

In 2005, the Palmer-led Bengals ended 15 years of futility by notching their first winning season since [[1990 Cincinnati Bengals season|1990]] and winning the [[AFC North]] division with an 11–5 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804073454/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/ |archive-date=August 4, 2012 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Statistically, Palmer had a stellar season, throwing a league-high 32 touchdown passes and leading the league in completion percentage. He became the first Bengals quarterback to finish with a [[quarterback rating]] over 100 and he also tied [[Indianapolis Colts|Indianapolis]]' [[Peyton Manning]] for most consecutive games, 9, with a triple-digit [[quarterback rating]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/single-season-passing.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629153752/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/single-season-passing.htm |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/passing.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155345/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/passing.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In Week 1, Palmer completed 26 of 34 passes and 2 passing touchdowns against the [[2005 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]. The Bengals won the game 27–13.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – September 11th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200509110cle.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063805/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200509110cle.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 2, Palmer had another great game, throwing for 337 yards to go along with 3 passing touchdowns and an interception against the [[2005 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals – September 18th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200509180cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063708/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200509180cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Palmer threw 3 more touchdown passes in Week 3 against the [[2005 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] to improve to 3–0. That was the first time the Bengals have started the season 3–0 since 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Chicago Bears – September 25th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200509250chi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063554/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200509250chi.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In Week 4, Palmer again had a rating over 100 in a game against the [[2005 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals – October 2nd, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063810/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Against the [[2005 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]] in Week 5, Carson completed 22 out of 33 passes for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, the Bengals lost their first game of the year, 23–20.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars – October 9th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510090jax.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063504/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510090jax.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Bengals bounced back against the [[2005 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]] in Week 6. Palmer threw for 272 passing yards and 2 more passing touchdowns. His rating was over 100 for the ninth straight game dating back to last season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Tennessee Titans – October 16th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510160oti.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063812/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510160oti.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> "He feels like he's invincible, but right now he knows he can go win it the next play," Cincinnati coach [[Marvin Lewis]] said of his quarterback. "He doesn't have to win it on every play. And I think that says a lot for how he is and how important he is to this football team."

Palmer's consecutive games streak of over a 100 quarterback rating ended in Week 7 against the [[2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Palmer completed 21 of 36 passes for 227 yards but was picked off 2 times and for the first time all season, failed to throw at least a touchdown in a game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – October 23rd, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510230cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063538/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510230cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> "It wasn't anything in particular they did," said Palmer, who had a measly 53.8 passer rating for the game. "I just didn't play well enough to win. I gave them two turnovers. When you play a championship team, you can't do that."

Palmer bounced back in Week 8 against the [[2005 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]]. He threw for 3 touchdown passes and an interception for 237 yards and the Bengals won the game, 21–14.

In Week 9, Palmer passed for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Bengals won their game against the [[2005 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]]. Palmer finished the season with a 101.1 rating.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens – November 6th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200511060rav.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063542/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200511060rav.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Carson signed a six-year contract extension through the 2014 season with the Bengals on December 29, 2005. In addition to the three years remaining on his existing deal, the value of the extension was worth $118.75 million over nine years. "Hopefully this is the last place I'll end up playing," Palmer said. "That's so rare in this league these days. It's so rare to see a person have a 5-, 8-, 10-, 12-year career in one place. And I feel very fortunate that it looks like that's going to be my future."<ref name="Six Year Extension">{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2005 |title=Bengals QB Palmer signs extension through 2014 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2274314 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104145714/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2274314 |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=September 5, 2011 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

On January 8, 2006, the Bengals met their [[Bengals–Steelers rivalry|division rival]] Pittsburgh in the first round of the AFC playoffs at [[Paul Brown Stadium]] in [[Cincinnati]].  On the Bengals' first pass play, Carson Palmer threw a 66-yard pass to rookie [[Wide receiver|receiver]] [[Chris Henry (wide receiver)|Chris Henry]]. It was the longest completion in Bengals playoff history. After Palmer released the pass, Steelers [[defensive tackle]] [[Kimo von Oelhoffen]] dove laterally into Palmer's left knee. Forty minutes later, a [[magnetic resonance imaging]] test revealed a severe injury, thought to be career-threatening at the time; Palmer had tears of both the [[anterior cruciate ligament|anterior cruciate]] and [[medial collateral ligament|medial collateral]] [[ligaments]] as well as [[cartilage]] and [[Meniscus (anatomy)|meniscus]] damage, and a displaced kneecap. Coincidentally, Henry himself suffered a knee injury on the same play, though far less severe. With Palmer out of the game, the Steelers went on to win 31–17 en route to their [[Super Bowl XL]] victory over the [[2005 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – January 8th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601080cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802220035/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601080cin.htm |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

During the off-season, the league's Rules Committee modified the rule regarding low hits on quarterbacks. The so-called "Carson Palmer Rule" which resulted requires that defenders take every opportunity to avoid hitting a quarterback at or below the knees when the quarterback is in a defenseless position looking to throw with both feet on the ground, unless they are blocked into him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John |date=March 29, 2006 |title=NFL votes to rein in TD celebrations, expand replay |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2389062 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117014506/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2389062 |archive-date=January 17, 2022 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

====Rehabilitation====
[[Image:Carson Palmer under center.jpg|thumb|350px|Palmer under center against the Pittsburgh Steelers]]
Palmer underwent reconstructive surgery on his injured knee in [[Houston, Texas|Houston]], [[Texas]], on January 10, 2006. Lonnie Paulos, a surgeon who was independent of the Bengals, performed the operation. Initially, the Bengals organization stated that Palmer had torn the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments with no other damage. However, Paulos later told the [[Associated Press]] that the damage was more extensive and also included a dislocation of the [[patella]]. Paulos called the injury "devastating and potentially career-ending". The Bengals accepted Paulos's assessment.<ref name="espn">{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2006 |title=Palmer at minicamp, aiming for season opener return |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2486170 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104013730/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2486170 |archive-date=January 4, 2018 |access-date=September 20, 2010 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Palmer's knee was reconstructed using an [[Achilles tendon]] from a 44-year-old woman who was killed by a drunk driver nearly two years before Palmer's injury.<ref name="De Rossi">{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=David |date=November 19, 2014 |title=Fleming: A family grieves for Carson Palmer |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread141119/arizona-cardinals-carson-palmer-keeps-connection-acl-donor-family |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507214629/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread141119/arizona-cardinals-carson-palmer-keeps-connection-acl-donor-family |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

Nonetheless, Palmer vowed that he was to be the starting quarterback in the Bengals' regular season opener at [[Kansas City Chiefs|Kansas City]] on September 10, 2006. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis stated, "This is a serious injury, but we are told the procedure went very well. We know Carson, and we know he will apply himself fully to his rehabilitation. This result encourages our feeling that Carson will be ready to open the 2006 season as our starting quarterback."<ref name="bengals">{{Cite web |last=Hobson |first=Geoff |date=September 16, 2010 |title=Palmer surgery: 'Very well' – Cincinnati Bengals |url=http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527061540/http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5017 |archive-date=May 27, 2008 |access-date=September 20, 2010 |website=Bengals.com}}</ref>

During his rehabilitation, Palmer made several other pointed comments, particularly in an issue of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''. In the article, Palmer stated that: "I hate the Steelers more than I hate [[UCLA]]."<ref name="SI">{{Cite web |last=Silver |first=Michael |date=May 29, 2006 |title=The Rehabilitation of Carson Palmer |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2006/05/29/the-rehabilitation-of-carson-palmer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819005834/https://vault.si.com/vault/2006/05/29/the-rehabilitation-of-carson-palmer |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

====2006 season====
[[File:Carson Palmer 2006.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Palmer playing against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] in 2006]]

{{See also|2006 Cincinnati Bengals season}}

Palmer returned from his injury in time for the 2006 preseason. After the Bengals' 48–17 pre-season victory over the visiting [[2006 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] on August 28, 2006, which saw Palmer complete 9 of 14 passes for 140 yards and three touchdowns in just less than two quarters of play in his much-expected debut (which included an 11-yard run for a first down that culminated in a slide on his surgically repaired left knee), Palmer reiterated his position that he was to start in the Bengals' season opener at Kansas City.

His performance drew rave reviews from many experts, many of whom expected far less of him less than a year after such a serious injury. [[ESPN]] analyst [[Joe Theismann]], himself a former quarterback with the [[Washington Redskins]] (whose own career was ended by a gruesome broken leg against the [[New York Giants]] on November 18, 1985), praised Palmer for his mental toughness in taking hits and not being gun-shy about staying in the pocket where chances of injury are often high.

Palmer ended up starting all 16 of the Bengals' regular season games, missing only one snap, due to his getting the wind knocked out of him. He did not become totally comfortable with his repaired knee until Week 9 against the [[2006 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] when he threw for a career high of 440 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – November 12th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611120cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105125038/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611120cin.htm |archive-date=January 5, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Despite his previous injury, he passed the 4,000 yard mark for the first time in his career, finishing the season with a franchise record 4,035 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, only 13 interceptions and 93.9 rating.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063624/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2006 |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He also made the [[Pro Bowl]] for the second year in a row, becoming the first Bengals quarterback to do this since [[Boomer Esiason]] in 1988 and 1989. Palmer was named Most Outstanding Player at the Pro Bowl, leading the AFC down the field in the final two minutes for the win. He completed 8 of 17 passes for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns, one to his Bengals teammate [[Chad Ochocinco|Chad Johnson]]. Palmer placed 3rd in voting for NFL Comeback Player of the Year, behind [[Drew Brees]] and [[Chad Pennington]]. Unfortunately, his team suffered quite a few misfortunes, such as missed point afters and field goals, while slipping from an 11–5 record in 2005 to 8–8 in 2006 and failing to make the playoffs due to a game 16 loss against their rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2006.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063744/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2006.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

After winning the Pro Bowl MVP, Palmer declared, "This is a huge honor and extremely exciting and I feel very blessed just to be here, let alone for the outcome to be this. But my goal's to be in a [[Super Bowl]]. And to win a [[Super Bowl]]. That's where my mind's at, and after this week I'm going to start focusing on that again." During the 2007 off-season, Palmer had scheduled workouts with not only Chad Johnson (which he usually did), but wide receivers [[T. J. Houshmandzadeh]] and [[Tab Perry]]. He also said he was fully comfortable with his knee.<ref name="aol">{{Cite web |last=Travis |first=Clay |date=September 9, 2010 |title=Fantasy Geeks: Carson Palmer's Ready To Rip It Up! – FanHouse – AOL Sports Blog |url=http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/07/29/fantasy-geeks-carson-palmers-ready-to-rip-it-up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922152744/https://www.aol.com/sports |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=September 20, 2010 |website=AOL Sports}}</ref>

====2007 season====

{{See also|2007 Cincinnati Bengals season}}

In the season opener on ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' against their divisional rival [[2007 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], Palmer went 20 for 32 with 194 yards and two touchdowns in a 27–20 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – September 10th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709100cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063700/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709100cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He followed up this performance with 33 completions for 401 passing yards and a franchise record and also a career-high six touchdown passes the next week in a game against the [[2007 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]], but lost 51–45.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – September 16th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709160cle.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006212412/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709160cle.htm |archive-date=October 6, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Cleveland quarterback [[Derek Anderson (American football)|Derek Anderson]] also threw for five touchdown passes in the game. It was only the third time in NFL history that two quarterbacks had thrown at least five touchdown passes in the same game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Withers |first=Tom |date=September 16, 2007 |title=Anderson Throws 5 TDs; Browns Hold On |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2007/09/16/anderson-throws-5-tds-browns-hold-on/61714005007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922152737/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2007/09/16/anderson-throws-5-tds-browns-hold-on/61714005007/ |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref> In a 24–21 loss to the [[2007 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], Palmer went 27 for 43 for 342 yards for a touchdown, but also threw two interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks – September 23rd, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709230sea.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063630/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709230sea.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

By Week 8, Palmer and the Bengals were struggling. His team had only a 2–5 record and he had thrown 9 interceptions, the most by any quarterback in the AFC. However, he remained statistically productive, ranking fourth in the NFL in passing yards and fifth in touchdowns with a passer rating of over 90.

The Bengals' misfortunes continued throughout the season and a week 15 loss to the [[2007 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] ensured that the team finished the season with a losing record for the first time since he had been their starting quarterback. In the same game, Palmer threw his 100th career touchdown pass, becoming the 5th fastest player ever to reach this milestone (59 games). Palmer finished the season with 376 completions for 4,131 yards and 26 touchdowns, with 20 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063501/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2007 |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> His 20 interceptions were a career high, but his 373 completions and 4,131 passing yards set new Bengals franchise records.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals Career Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/career-passing.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226214811/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/career-passing.htm |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2008 season====

{{See also|2008 Cincinnati Bengals season}}

In the season opener against the [[2008 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], Palmer was held to 99 yards and no touchdowns, completing only 10 out of 25 passes with an interception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens – September 7th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809070rav.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230225832/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809070rav.htm |archive-date=December 30, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> For the first time in his career, Palmer wore a clear protective visor because of a broken nose.<ref name="visor">{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2008 |title=Anderson strikes deal with Ravens |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2008-09-05-nflbeat05-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922152750/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/ |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref> In the following 24–7 loss to the [[2008 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], Palmer went 16 of 27 for 134 yards and two interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals – September 14th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809140cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063711/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809140cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> As the Bengals fell to 0–3 against the [[2008 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] in a 26–23 overtime loss, Palmer went 27 for 39 for 286 yards and a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at New York Giants – September 21st, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809210nyg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063558/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809210nyg.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Due to a sore elbow, Palmer missed the next game against the [[2008 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]], which ended in a loss. This ended Palmer's consecutive start streak of 51 games. Palmer returned the following week against the [[2008 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] and completed 23 of 39 passes for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on the first passing play of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys – October 5th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810050dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063740/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810050dal.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The cause of Palmer's sore elbow was later diagnosed as a partially torn [[ligament]] and [[tendon]] and he was shelved for the remainder of the season. Palmer elected not to undergo [[Tommy John surgery]] to repair the damage; instead, he chose to rest the elbow to allow it to heal. By March 2009, Palmer said that he was "100 percent" again.<ref name="100percent">{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2009 |title=Palmer Says He's "100 Percent" |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/03/30/palmer-says-hes-100-percent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922152746/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/03/30/palmer-says-hes-100-percent/ |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}}</ref>

====2009 season====

{{See also|2009 Cincinnati Bengals season}}

In the season opener against the [[2009 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]], Palmer threw the ball 33 times for 247 yards and two interceptions in a 12–7 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals – September 13th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909130cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063618/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909130cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The critics sought another mediocre season for the Bengals, with a lack of offensive production. The offense bounced back in week 2 against the [[2009 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]]. Palmer threw for 185 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in a 31–24 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers – September 20th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909200gnb.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063703/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909200gnb.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In week 7 against the [[2009 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]], Palmer went 20 of 24 with five touchdowns and a passer rating of 146.7, in a 45–10 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals – October 25th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910250cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063748/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910250cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> This win improved the Bengals' record to 5–2. After a 16–7 win against the [[2009 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]] in Week 12, the Bengals swept their division for the first time in franchise history. Going into a Week 15 game against the [[2009 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]], Bengals' receiver Chris Henry died. Playing with a heavy heart, Palmer threw for 314 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, only to lose on a last second field goal by the Chargers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers – December 20th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912200sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063721/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912200sdg.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Palmer had a 91.7 passer rating with two touchdowns and one interception in a 17–10 Week 16 win against the [[2009 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals – December 27th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912270cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424111900/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912270cin.htm |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> This win assured the Bengals' first winning season and division title since 2005. In Palmer's first full playoff game, he struggled. Palmer threw the ball with a 50% completion percentage, one touchdown, one interception, and a 53.8 passer rating, in a 24–14 loss to the [[2009 New York Jets season|New York Jets]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals – January 9th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001090cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063735/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001090cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Palmer finished the 2009 season with a 60.5% completion percentage, 3,094 yards passing, 21 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a passer rating of 83.6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063644/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2009 |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2010 season and initial retirement====

{{See also|2010 Cincinnati Bengals season}}

In the [[2010 NFL draft]], the Bengals drafted three more receivers for Palmer: [[University of Oklahoma|Oklahoma]] tight end [[Jermaine Gresham]] in the first round, [[University of Texas|Texas]] wide receiver [[Jordan Shipley]] in the third round, and [[University of Kansas|Kansas]] wide receiver [[Dezmon Briscoe]] in the sixth round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027180338/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/draft.htm |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> During OTA's (Organized Team Activities), Palmer asserted himself as the leader of the team by calling out Chad Ochocinco, saying that the number one receiver should be there with the team.

During the 2010 [[Pro Football Hall of Fame Game|Hall of Fame Game]] in [[Canton, Ohio]], Palmer completed 2 out of 5 passes for 18 yards, both to wide receiver [[Terrell Owens]]. Palmer and the Bengals started out the 2010 campaign with a 2–1 record, but faltered after that, going on a 10-game losing streak to finish out the season with a 4–12 record. Statistically, Carson improved from the previous year as his attempts, completion percentage, yardage and touchdown numbers all rose (although he did throw more interceptions as well).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063635/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2010 |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Following the Bengals' 4–12 finish in the 2010 season, Palmer requested to be traded.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Nate |date=January 23, 2011 |title=ESPN: Bengals QB Carson Palmer wants out of Cincinnati |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/01/espn-bengals-qb-carson-palmer-wants-out-of-cincinnati/1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005230813/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/01/espn-bengals-qb-carson-palmer-wants-out-of-cincinnati/1 |archive-date=October 5, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=USATODAY.COM}}</ref> Bengals president Mike Brown turned down Palmer's request the next day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2011 |title=Bengals turn down Palmer trade request; No Cincy Chilly |url=https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-turn-down-palmer-trade-request-no-cincy-chilly-3287014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429235128/https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-turn-down-palmer-trade-request-no-cincy-chilly-3287014 |archive-date=April 29, 2020 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=www.bengals.com |language=en-US}}</ref> News reports said that Palmer was prepared to retire if necessary. [[WCPO-TV]] reported that a friend of Palmer quoted him as saying, "I will never set foot in Paul Brown Stadium again. I have $80 million in the bank." Palmer also reportedly said: "I don't have to play football for money. I'll play it for the love of the game, but that would have to be elsewhere."<ref name="NeverSetFoot">{{Cite web |last=Cherner |first=Reid |date=March 2, 2011 |title=Eye-opener: What should Bengals do about Carson Palmer? |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/03/carson-palmer-marvin-lewis-mike-brown-eye-opener-what-should-bengals-do-about-carson-palmer/1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006230604/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/03/carson-palmer-marvin-lewis-mike-brown-eye-opener-what-should-bengals-do-about-carson-palmer/1 |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=USATODAY.COM}}</ref> Palmer's agent said, "Because of the lack of success that Carson and the Bengals have experienced together, Carson strongly feels that a separation between him and the Bengals would be in the best interest of both parties."<ref name="NeverSetFoot" /> In seven seasons under Palmer, the Bengals appeared in the playoffs twice (2005 and 2009), and did not win any playoff games.

During an interview at the [[2011 NFL draft]], head coach [[Marvin Lewis]] said that Palmer told him he has planned to retire. In response, the Bengals selected TCU quarterback [[Andy Dalton]] in the second round. On July 26, 2011, a video posted on NFL.com showed a press conference held by [[Mike Brown (NFL owner)|Mike Brown]], the president of the Bengals, stating that he did not expect Palmer to return to the Bengals for the 2011 season, the organization wished him well, and that there were no plans to trade him. When asked why he refused to trade Palmer, Mike Brown answered:

<blockquote>Carson signed a contract. He made a commitment. He gave his word. We relied on his word. We relied on his commitment. We expected him to perform here. He's going to walk away from his commitment. We aren't going to reward him for doing it.<ref name="MBreacts">{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2011 |title=Bengals: Carson Palmer not on block |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/6803427/cincinnati-bengals-carson-palmer-not-available-owner-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927185017/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6803427/cincinnati-bengals-carson-palmer-not-available-owner-says |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |access-date=July 28, 2011 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref></blockquote>

Consequently, Palmer was placed on the reserve/did not report list on July 29, 2011, after failing to report to training camp.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reedy |first=Joe |date=July 29, 2011 |title=Palmer placed on Reserve/Did Not Report list; other moves |url=http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2011/07/29/palmer-placed-on-reservedid-not-report-list-other-moves/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20110731063744/http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2011/07/29/palmer-placed-on-reservedid-not-report-list-other-moves/ |archive-date=July 31, 2011 |access-date=August 8, 2011 |work=cincinnati.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Florio |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Florio |date=August 23, 2011 |title=Carson Palmer still hasn't officially retired |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/23/carson-palmer-still-hasnt-officially-retired/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826002618/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/23/carson-palmer-still-hasnt-officially-retired/ |archive-date=August 26, 2011 |access-date=August 23, 2011 |work=[[profootballtalk.com]]}}</ref>