No doubt it's play for the Bengals or retire. I'm genuinely worried
that he might retire. He seems to be one of the rare guys who's
personality would allow him to walk away, especially considering his
contract situation doesn't make him pay back any money. It's really
going to come down to how competitive he is, and how well Marvin and
MB can sell him as the emotion of the season wears off a bit.
You can tell by his comments that he is not happy with the fan base,
and I can't blame him. It's one thing to be criticized for your play,
to be booed and called out in the media. But having your family
getting messed with is not right, I don't care how much money you
make. I really think this is as much personal as it is football
related.
On the football side, I'm sure he's frustrated to see Big Ben and Joe
Flacco have sustained success. These guys were drafted after him, but
landed with better franchises. Boomer Esiason warned Palmer about
Cincinnati, and now he's in the same position Boomer was after his 8th
season. That year the Bengals convinced Boomer to play one more year
so they could develop new franchise QB David Klingler. Don't expect
Mike Brown to make the same mistake twice. You don't let a franchise
QB walk without another one waiting in the wings. See Rodgers, Aaron.
Everyone needs to take a big deep breath and get some separation for a
couple months. This BS with Chad needs to get resolved. The CBA
needs to get resolved. The questions with the coaching staff need to
get resolved. Minicamps aren't until May, so there's time for this
situation to play out. If Palmer comes back, I genuinely think this
team can win the division. Without him, it'll be years before they'll
contend again.
Marvin came back because he had unfinished business to take care of.
Hopefully he can convince his #1 guy of the same thing. If he wants
to keep playing NFL football, that's his only choice
