Amid scattered rumors that quarterback Carson Palmer could return to the Bengals despite a threat and/or promise to retire if he’s not traded, we’re told that nothing has changed between player and team.
On Saturday, former Bengals tackle Willie Anderson dropped a strong hint via Twitter that Palmer will return to the team, and ESPN Cincinnati has reported that a “line of communication” recently opened between the two sides.
Earlier this morning, ESPN Cincinnati updated the situation by explaining that the differences between the parties are “irreconcilable.” Also, Anderson has since retracted his remarks about Palmer returning to the team, explaining that the two sides met and it’s “not happening.”
Though we don’t know whether and to what extent any talks occurred, we do know that nothing has changed. Palmer wants out, and the Bengals don’t plan to let him leave.
As long as the Bengals hold at least $11.5 million in cap space, Palmer can’t force his way out by showing up. The Bengals placed him on the reserve/did not report list, and Palmer has not officially retired. In theory, the Bengals could attempt to fine him in the amount of $30,000 per day.
Given the players added -- and subtracted -- by the Bengals over the past couple weeks, Palmer possibly feels differently about the team. But with Bruce Gradkowski recently signed and Andy Dalton drafted, Carson’s return at this point would mean that his brother, Jordan, would be out of a job. Unless the Bengals plan to carry a quartet of quarterbacks.