Former (for now) Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer reportedly believed that the team was simply jerking around his younger brother, Jordan, holding his rights until it would be too late for the younger Palmer to get another job elsewhere.
Though the team’s true intentions remain unknown, the Bengals cut Jordan Palmer today, only 12 days before the start of the 2011 regular season.
The Bengals also released safety Tom Nelson, cornerback Fred Bennettt, cornerback LeRoyy Vann, linebacker Stephen Franklin, and receiver Jamere Holland.
Nelson spent two seasons with the Bengals, appearing in 20 games and starting three times.
Jordan Palmer had signed a one-year, $1.2 million restricted free agency tender with the Bengals. RFA tenders aren’t guaranteed. Jordan Palmer will now be subject to waivers. Once he clears waivers, he’ll be free to sign anywhere.
The three quarterbacks currently on the Bengals’ roster are Andy Dalton, Bruce Gradkowski, and Dan LeFevour.
Carson Palmer remains on the team’s reserve/did not report list, which means he hasn’t retired. And we remain curious as to whether Carson will show up at some point between September 6 and 9, forcing the Bengals to choose between cutting him or essentially guaranteeing his 2011 base salary of $11.5 million.
This isn’t about cap room, of which the Bengals have plenty. This is about cash. Will owner Mike Brown pay Palmer $11.5 million either to stand on the sidelines or to be a reluctant leader of the offense? If Carson makes his power play, we’ll find out soon enough whether Brown is willing to sacrifice eight figures in order to make a point.