Editing Carson Palmer (section)

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
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|    wonderlic = 26<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Edgar |date=March 9, 2010 |title=Wonderlic scores of 2010 NFL starting quarterbacks and NFL draft QB prospects |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/2010/03/10/wonderlic-scores-2010-nfl-starting/7279771007/ |access-date=February 4, 2024 |website=The Palm Beach Post |language=en-US}}</ref>
|         note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer, Southern California, 2003 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1378&DraftYear=2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922152719/https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1378&DraftYear=2003 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=October 19, 2021 |website=draftscout.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer, Combine Results, QB – Southern California |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=6648 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922152726/https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=6648 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=October 19, 2021 |website=nflcombineresults.com}}</ref>
}}

===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>

===Oakland Raiders===
[[File:Carson Palmer 2012-09-30.jpg|175px|thumbnail|right|Palmer in [[Empower Field at Mile High|Denver]] with the Oakland Raiders in September 2012]]

====2011 season====

{{See also|2011 Cincinnati Bengals season|2011 Oakland Raiders season}}

With Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton having led his team to a conference-best 6–2 record after 9 weeks, the Bengals had little motivation to negotiate for Palmer's return. However, on October 18, 2011, after being contacted by the [[Oakland Raiders]] who had just lost starting quarterback [[Jason Campbell]] for the season and who were desperate to negotiate for Palmer, the Bengals agreed to trade the disgruntled quarterback. Raiders head coach [[Hue Jackson]] was previously the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at [[USC Trojans football|USC]] and helped recruit Palmer, and was also the Bengals wide receivers coach during the prime of Palmer's career. Jackson's good relationship with both Palmer and the Bengals organization was key to the deal. In exchange for a player whom the Bengals did not need and who stated he'd never suit up for them again, the Bengals received Oakland's first-round pick in the [[2012 NFL draft|2012 draft]] and a conditional second-round pick in the 2013 draft, which became a first-round pick had the Raiders reached the AFC Championship game in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2011 |title=Done deal: Raiders acquire veteran QB Palmer from Bengals |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/done-deal-raiders-acquire-veteran-qb-palmer-from-bengals-09000d5d8233c392 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020162503/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8233c392/article/raiders-acquire-veteran-qb-palmer-from-bengals |archive-date=October 20, 2011 |access-date=October 18, 2011 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 6, 2012 |title=Raiders get to keep 2013 first-round draft pick |url=http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2012/06/06/raiders-get-to-keep-2013-first-round-draft-pick/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424144323/http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2012/06/06/raiders-get-to-keep-2013-first-round-draft-pick/ |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |website=Inside the Oakland Raiders}}</ref> Cincinnati later used the picks to select [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] [[cornerback]] [[Dre Kirkpatrick]] in 2012 and [[North Carolina Tar Heels football|North Carolina]] [[running back]] [[Giovani Bernard|Gio Bernard]] in 2013. The trade was deemed one of the most one-sided trades in recent memory, and it was one of the factors that resulted in Jackson's termination after the season. Dalton went on to lead the Bengals to the playoffs and was selected to the [[Pro Bowl]], while Jackson was soon re-hired by the Bengals as an assistant coach. Palmer then signed a new four-year contract worth $43 million.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Kirkendall |first=Josh |date=March 26, 2013 |title=BB: Palmer Influencing Another Rapid Exit |url=https://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/3/26/4147004/bb-carson-palmer-raiders-newman |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=Cincy Jungle |language=en}}</ref>

With punter [[Shane Lechler]] wearing Palmer's number 9 from Cincinnati, Palmer switched his jersey number to 3, his number at USC which was worn by [[Jon Kitna]] in Cincinnati at the time the Bengals drafted him. On October 23, Palmer came off the bench against the [[2011 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] to relieve starting quarterback [[Kyle Boller]] who had thrown 3 interceptions and had the team down 21–0. Palmer completed 8 of 21 passes for 116 yards and 3 interceptions in his Raider debut.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – October 23rd, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110230rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063728/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110230rai.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He stated after the game, "I was told I was not going to play. I didn't know the offense, I also hadn't been training and working out, so it was a complete shock to me at halftime when (Raiders coach [[Hue Jackson]]) told me, 'Hey, you know we're going to get you in, in the third quarter.'"<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2011 |title=Raiders' Palmer faced Chiefs with knowledge of 15 plays |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-palmer-faced-chiefs-with-knowledge-of-15-plays-09000d5d82387c9b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424204239/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82387c9b/article/raiders-palmer-faced-chiefs-with-knowledge-of-15-plays |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In his first start for the Raiders two weeks later, Palmer threw for over 330 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw three interceptions and lost a fumble.

In his second start as a Raider during the Week 11 [[Thursday Night Football|Thursday Night]] game against the [[Chargers–Raiders rivalry|division rival]] [[2011 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]], Palmer showed further progress as he finished the game completing 14 of 20 passes for 299 yards and threw two touchdowns and a single interception for a quarterback rating of 125.0 in a 24–17 road win that ultimately gave the Raiders the lead in the division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – November 10th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111100sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063656/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111100sdg.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After going 0 for 2, Palmer completed 10 straight passes, including two touchdowns of 33 & 26 yards to rookie wide receiver [[Denarius Moore]]. Palmer was on course for a perfect [[passer rating]] of 158.3 until he took a hit from Chargers' linebacker [[Travis LaBoy]] while attempting a pass early in the fourth quarter that resulted in wobbly pass picked-off by [[Paul Oliver (American football)|Paul Oliver]].

The Raiders ended the season 8–8, 4–5 under Palmer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Oakland Raiders Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2011.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063536/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2011.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They lost the [[AFC West]] tiebreaker to the [[Denver Broncos]] and finished one game out of the playoffs.

====2012 season====

[[File:Carson Palmer.jpg|thumb|right|Palmer on September 16, 2012, against the Miami Dolphins]]

{{See also|2012 Oakland Raiders season}}

In 2012, the Palmer-led Raiders started the season 0–1 after a 22–14 home loss against the [[2012 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]. Palmer had a good game statistically going 32 of 46 for 297 yards and a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – September 10th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209100rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063540/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209100rai.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 2, Palmer completed 24 of 48 (50%) passes for 373 yards and a touchdown, but also an interception in a 35–13 loss to the [[2012 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins – September 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160mia.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204171449/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160mia.htm |archive-date=February 4, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Raiders returned home for a Week 3 matchup against their [[Raiders–Steelers rivalry|longtime historic rival]] [[2013 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Sitting at 0–2, Palmer drove the Raiders down the field in the final seconds to set up a field goal attempt for the Raiders to win. Palmer went near perfect in his pass attempts completing 24 of 34 for 3 touchdowns and an interception in the 34–31 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders – September 23rd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209230rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063716/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209230rai.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 4 however, Palmer struggled against the [[2012 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] going 19 of 34 for 202 yards in a 37–6 road loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – September 30th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209300den.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063509/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209300den.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Raiders went into their bye week with Palmer's stats standing at 99 of 162 pass attempts for 1,081 yards, 5 touchdowns, 2 interceptions. The Raiders (who had finished 4–5 with Palmer as a starter) had also gone 5–8 with Palmer at the starting quarterback helm by this time. Returning from the bye week, Palmer and the Raiders traveled down south to face the [[2012 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] who were undefeated against AFC opponents. The Raiders got off to a good start with Palmer looking very sharp with 23 of 33 for 353 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw an interception as the Falcons completed the comeback drive to win 23–20.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Atlanta Falcons – October 14th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210140atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115091156/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210140atl.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Palmer went 26 of 46 for 298 yards, a touchdown, an interception, and also a rushing touchdown against the [[2012 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]] a week later.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Raiders – October 21st, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210210rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063622/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210210rai.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Palmer stayed sharp through the next game at Kansas City against the [[2012 Kansas City Chiefs season|Chiefs]], going 14 of 28 for 209 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception in a 26–16 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs – October 28th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210280kan.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063730/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210280kan.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> A week later, the Raiders returned home for a game against the [[2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]. Despite the fact that Palmer went 39 of 61 for 414 yards and 4 touchdowns, the struggling quarterback also threw 3 costly interceptions in the 42–32 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Oakland Raiders – November 4th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211040rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063627/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211040rai.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> A week later at Baltimore, Palmer still looked sharp in the 55–20 road loss to the [[2012 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] going 29 of 45 for 368 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Baltimore Ravens – November 11th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211110rav.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063511/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211110rav.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 11, the Raiders returned home for a game against a struggling defensive [[2012 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] team. However, despite the fact that Palmer and the Raiders' offense struggled, the quarterback went 22 of 40 for 312 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in the huge 38–17 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Oakland Raiders – November 18th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211180rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063547/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211180rai.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 12, Palmer returned to Cincinnati to face off against his former team the [[2012 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals – November 25th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211250cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228173133/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211250cin.htm |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Palmer struggled in this game going 19 of 34 for a season-low 146 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in a 34–10 loss. In Week 13, the Raiders returned home for a game against the [[2012 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]. Coming into this game at 1–2 against the AFC North, the Raiders were down by 3, but ended up losing 20–17 to the Browns despite the fact that Palmer was 34 of 54 for 351 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders – December 2nd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212020rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063620/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212020rai.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 14, the Raiders stayed home for a [[Thursday Night Football]] game against the Denver Broncos. The Raiders lost 26–13 in spite of Palmer going 19 of 30 for 273 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. This game was his 9th straight game with at least 1 interception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – December 6th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212060rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063733/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212060rai.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 15, the Raiders stayed home for the 3rd straight week for game 2 against the [[Chiefs–Raiders rivalry|division rival]] Kansas City Chiefs, in which they won 15–0, with Palmer's streak of games with at least 1 interception coming to an end, but he still struggled as he went 18 of 29 for 182 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – December 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063552/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160rai.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 16, Palmer and the Raiders traveled to [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], to take on the [[2012 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]]. Palmer early in the game suffered a further injury of his ribs, leaving him out for the rest of the game. As he went 3 of 3 for 31 yards in the game, quarterback [[Matt Leinart]] took over for the rest of the game. The Raiders, however, went on to lose by a score of 17–6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Carolina Panthers – December 23rd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212230car.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063737/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212230car.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Out of the 14 games Palmer started and completed that year, the Raiders went 4–11 with him, bringing his total to 8–15 as the teams' starting quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204043517/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2012/ |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Arizona Cardinals===

====2013 season====

{{See also|2013 Arizona Cardinals season}}

Palmer was officially traded to the [[Arizona Cardinals]] on April 2, 2013, for a [[2013 NFL draft|2013]] sixth round draft pick and a conditional pick in the [[2014 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Schefter |first1=Adam |last2=Werder |first2=Ed |date=April 2, 2013 |title=Carson Palmer traded to Cards |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9124762/carson-palmer-traded-oakland-raiders-arizona-cardinals-source |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405053608/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9124762/carson-palmer-traded-oakland-raiders-arizona-cardinals-source |archive-date=April 5, 2013 |access-date=April 2, 2013 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> He then signed a two-year restructured contract worth $16 million.<ref name="auto" /> His coach was [[Bruce Arians]], the former Colts interim coach, who had led the Indianapolis Colts while [[Chuck Pagano]] was recovering from cancer treatment. While having a rusty 3–4 start, Palmer led the Cardinals to a 10–6 record his first year but was eliminated from playoff contention in week 17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063705/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2013 |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Palmer ranked 8th in the NFL in passing yards with 4,274 yards, the most of his career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/passing.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424064624/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/passing.htm |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He also became the first player in NFL history to top 4,000 yards passing for three different teams. During week 11, he was nominated for FedEx Air Player of the Week with 419 yards and two touchdowns. This win over the [[2013 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]] ended Carson Palmer's interception streak through the first 9 games of his season (not including the bye week). During Week 14, Palmer hit a career high with an 84.4 completion percentage when he went 27 for 32 with 269 yards and a touchdown in a 30–10 win over the [[2013 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals – December 8th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312080crd.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901065751/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312080crd.htm |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Steve |date=May 8, 2013 |title=Carson Palmer Adjusting to Arizona Cardinals' Challenging Offense |url=http://www.sportsmedia101.com/arizonacardinals/2013/08/05/carson-palmer-adjusting-to-arizona-cardinals-challenging-offense/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808152552/http://www.sportsmedia101.com/arizonacardinals/2013/08/05/carson-palmer-adjusting-to-arizona-cardinals-challenging-offense/ |archive-date=August 8, 2013 |access-date=May 8, 2013 |website=[[Sports Media 101]]}}</ref> During Week 16, while he threw four [[interceptions]], two to [[Richard Sherman (American football)|Richard Sherman]], he was able to rally the Cardinals to a 17–10 victory over the [[2013 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], who had a perfect home record for the last two years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks – December 22nd, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312220sea.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804014323/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312220sea.htm |archive-date=August 4, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2014 season====
[[File:Carson Palmer 2014.jpg|thumb|Palmer in 2014 vs. the Chargers]]

{{See also|2014 Arizona Cardinals season}}

In Week 1 against the [[2014 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]], Palmer threw two touchdowns late in the game to win in an upset. In the same game, Palmer ran for a career-high 30 yards and got injured running for a first down.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Arizona Cardinals – September 8th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409080crd.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901110608/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409080crd.htm |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Instead of avoiding safety [[Eric Weddle]], Palmer collided with him. He missed the next three games, in which backup [[Drew Stanton]] won against the [[2014 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] and [[2014 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] and lost to the [[2014 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]. Upon his return the Cardinals went on to win five games in a row and remain the top seed in the NFC, with Palmer throwing 11 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions. On November 7, 2014, Palmer agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million contract extension with the Cardinals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=November 7, 2014 |title=Carson Palmer signs three-year extension, with Cardinals |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/07/report-carson-palmer-cardinals-agree-on-three-year-extension/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108013255/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/07/report-carson-palmer-cardinals-agree-on-three-year-extension/ |archive-date=November 8, 2014 |access-date=November 7, 2014 |website=NBCSports.com}}</ref> On November 9, 2014, Palmer re-tore his ACL in a game against the [[2014 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]]. He was placed on the [[injured reserve list]] the next day, ending his season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael |date=November 10, 2014 |title=Cardinals confirm Carson Palmer will go on IR with torn ACL |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/10/cardinals-confirm-carson-palmer-will-go-on-ir-with-torn-acl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110222526/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/10/cardinals-confirm-carson-palmer-will-go-on-ir-with-torn-acl/ |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=November 10, 2014 |website=NBCSports.com}}</ref> Palmer underwent surgery in which doctors removed the donated Achilles tendon from his knee and replaced it with his own [[Patellar ligament|patellar tendon]] for reconstruction.<ref name="De Rossi" /> The Cardinals went on to start Stanton for the remainder of the season until he too suffered a knee injury against the Rams in December. The Cardinals then started [[Ryan Lindley]] for the remainder of the season. The Cardinals finished 11–5 and went into the playoffs as a Wild Card, but lost to the [[2014 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] in the first round, mustering only 78 yards of total offense while missing their starting and backup quarterback, starting and backup running back, starting left outside linebacker, and starting middle linebacker due to injury or suspension.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers – January 3rd, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501030car.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131135624/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501030car.htm |archive-date=January 31, 2018 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Arizona Cardinals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2014.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006164908/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2014.htm |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2015 season====

{{See also|2015 Arizona Cardinals season}}

Palmer engineered what many considered his best season by recording 35 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, and was 13–3 as a starter through the 2015 season, winning the [[NFC West]] and securing the Cardinals' first first-round bye in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Arizona Cardinals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2015.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063616/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2015.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Many in the sports world considered Palmer a candidate for the NFL's 2015 MVP award, along with [[Tom Brady]], [[Russell Wilson]], and eventual winner [[Cam Newton]]. Palmer was also elected to his third Pro Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2015 |title=Palmer, Fitzgerald head 7-player Pro Bowl contingent for Cardinals |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/palmer-fitzgerald-head-7-player-pro-bowl-contingent-for-cardinals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115095550/https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/palmer-fitzgerald-head-7-player-pro-bowl-contingent-for-cardinals |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>  In Week 10, towards the end of a 39–32 win over the [[Cardinals–Seahawks rivalry|division rival]] [[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], Palmer made a crotch chop gesture to the Seattle fans; he pumped his fist twice and followed it up by pointing at his crotch. Later in the week, he was fined $11,576 for the action.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nathan |first=Alec |date=November 20, 2015 |title=Carson Palmer Fined $11,576 for Gesture vs. Seahawks: Latest Details, Reaction |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2591463-carson-palmer-fined-11576-for-gesture-vs-seahawks-latest-details-reaction |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115103307/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2591463-carson-palmer-fined-11576-for-gesture-vs-seahawks-latest-details-reaction |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>  Palmer set a franchise record with the Cardinals against the [[2015 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] in Week 14, throwing his 31st touchdown, passing [[Kurt Warner]]. In the same game, the Cardinals clinched a playoff berth. After defeating the [[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] the following week, he and the Cardinals clinched the NFC West.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Somers |first=Kent |date=December 20, 2015 |title=Cardinals capture NFC West title with win over Eagles |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2015/12/20/cardinals-capture-nfc-west-title-win-over-eagles/77673026/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922152750/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2015/12/20/cardinals-capture-nfc-west-title-win-over-eagles/77673026/ |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US}}</ref> In Week 16 against the Packers, Palmer and the Cardinals secured a first round bye in the playoffs by clinching the 2nd seed in the NFC, behind only the 15–1 Panthers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals – December 27th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512270crd.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229112208/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512270crd.htm |archive-date=December 29, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In 16 starts, Palmer threw for a franchise record 4,671 yards with 35 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063746/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2015 |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the [[Hail Larry|NFC Divisional Round]], Palmer completed 25 of 41 passes for 349 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in the Cardinals' 26–20 overtime win in a Week 16 rematch against the [[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]], earning his first, and only, career playoff win in the process.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals – January 16th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601160crd.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901063250/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601160crd.htm |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Cardinals lost the NFC Championship game 49–15 to the [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]], a game where Palmer threw four interceptions and lost two fumbles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship – Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers – January 24th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601240car.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901070250/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601240car.htm |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Palmer lost the MVP award to Newton, who received 48 out of 50 votes while Palmer and Brady received one vote each. He was ranked 12th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2016]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032657/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2016 season====

{{See also|2016 Arizona Cardinals season}}

On August 5, 2016, Palmer signed a one-year, $24.35 million contract extension with the Cardinals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=August 5, 2016 |title=Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald sign 1-year extensions |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/carson-palmer-larry-fitzgerald-sign-1-year-extensions-0ap3000000680766 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805215806/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000680766/article/carson-palmer-larry-fitzgerald-sign-1year-extensions |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He started 15 games in 2016 and missed Week 5 against the [[2016 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] after suffering a concussion the previous week against the [[2016 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Palmer out for 49ers game with concussion symptoms, Stanton gets the start |url=https://www.12news.com/article/sports/nfl/cardinals/palmer-out-for-49ers-game-with-concussion-symptoms-stanton-gets-the-start/75-329293595 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712192110/https://www.12news.com/article/sports/nfl/cardinals/palmer-out-for-49ers-game-with-concussion-symptoms-stanton-gets-the-start/75-329293595 |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |website=12news.com |date=October 5, 2016 |language=en-US}}</ref> Palmer threw for over 4,000 yards for the sixth time in his career and finished the season with 4,233 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carson Palmer 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063506/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PalmCa00/gamelog/2016 |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, the Cardinals missed the playoffs with a 7–8–1 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Arizona Cardinals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2016.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317035708/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2016.htm |archive-date=March 17, 2018 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====2017 season====

{{See also|2017 Arizona Cardinals season}}

On September 17, 2017, in Week 2, Palmer passed for 332 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 16–13 overtime victory over the [[2017 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts – September 17th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709170clt.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015094832/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709170clt.htm |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |access-date=October 14, 2017 |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref> During Week 7 against the [[2017 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] at [[Twickenham Stadium]], Palmer had 122 passing yards and an interception until leaving the game with a left arm injury. The Cardinals were shut out 33–0. Not long after, Palmer was diagnosed with a broken left arm, and was ruled out for at least eight weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=October 22, 2017 |title=Carson Palmer out at least 8 weeks with broken arm |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/carson-palmer-out-at-least-8-weeks-with-broken-arm-0ap3000000865220 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023063431/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000865220/article/carson-palmer-out-at-least-8-weeks-with-broken-arm |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |access-date=October 22, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He was placed on injured reserve on October 26, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Odegard |first=Kyle |date=October 26, 2017 |title=Carson Palmer Placed On Injured Reserve |url=http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Carson-Palmer-Placed-On-Injured-Reserve/5c3a53eb-6563-4675-af31-0f70f1a723db |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029140416/http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Carson-Palmer-Placed-On-Injured-Reserve/5c3a53eb-6563-4675-af31-0f70f1a723db |archive-date=October 29, 2017 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |website=AZCardinals.com}}</ref> On November 22, the Cardinals announced that Palmer was to remain out for the rest of 2017. However, on December 1, Palmer said he felt "pretty good" about returning.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weinfuss |first=Josh |date=December 2, 2017 |title=Carson Palmer feels 'pretty good' about returning this season |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/arizona-cardinals/post/_/id/28520/carson-palmer-feels-pretty-good-about-returning-this-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203234248/http://www.espn.com/blog/arizona-cardinals/post/_/id/28520/carson-palmer-feels-pretty-good-about-returning-this-season |archive-date=December 3, 2017 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

===Retirement===

On January 2, 2018, Palmer announced his retirement from the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=January 2, 2018 |title=Cardinals QB Carson Palmer retires after 15 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cardinals-qb-carson-palmer-retires-after-15-seasons-0ap3000000902107 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103014040/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000902107/article/cardinals-qb-carson-palmer-retires-after-15-seasons |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |access-date=January 2, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2017 |title=Carson Palmer Retirement Letter |url=http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Carson-Palmer-Retirement-Letter/b27495f1-c9a9-4f28-8a7a-36f335b8ce3f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105045524/http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Carson-Palmer-Retirement-Letter/b27495f1-c9a9-4f28-8a7a-36f335b8ce3f |archive-date=January 5, 2018 |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=AZCardinals.com}}</ref> At the time of his retirement, he was 12th all-time in both passing yards and passing touchdowns with 46,247 and 294, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2018 |title=Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer retires after 15 NFL seasons |url=http://www.montrosepress.com/national/sports/arizona-cardinals-qb-carson-palmer-retires-after-nfl-seasons/article_13e4e2f6-da35-5823-adfe-69f767675f40.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103023728/http://www.montrosepress.com/national/sports/arizona-cardinals-qb-carson-palmer-retires-after-nfl-seasons/article_13e4e2f6-da35-5823-adfe-69f767675f40.html |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |access-date=January 2, 2018 |website=Montrose Press}}</ref> Palmer was inducted into the [[Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor]] on September 29, 2019, its 18th inductee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Teope |first=Herbie |date=June 4, 2019 |title=Carson Palmer headed to Cardinals Ring of Honor |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/carson-palmer-headed-to-cardinals-ring-of-honor-0ap3000001032665 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124135418/https://www.nfl.com/news/carson-palmer-headed-to-cardinals-ring-of-honor-0ap3000001032665 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |access-date=September 29, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>