Palmer sent to Raiders; ‘It’s been a whirlwind’

Associated Press

ALAMEDA, Calif.

Carson Palmer went to bed a retired football player resigned to the fact that the Cincinnati Bengals would never grant his wish to be traded.

He woke up to a text message early Tuesday morning telling him to fly to Oakland to complete a trade with the Raiders, who are counting on Palmer to replace the injured Jason Campbell and lead the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” Palmer said.

“I understand what’s expected of me. I know what playing quarterback is about, and it’s about winning. I want to come in a contribute and do whatever I can to help this team.”

The Raiders are hoping he can do a lot, having traded a 2012 first-round pick and a conditional second-rounder in 2013 that can become another first if Oakland makes it to the AFC title game in either of the next two years.

Coach Hue Jackson believes Palmer is the ideal fit, having recruited and coached him at Southern California and as an assistant in Cincinnati with Palmer.

Jackson said Palmer has the strong arm and athleticism that late Raiders owner Al Davis always wanted in a quarterback.

“This guy can play and he knows how to play the game and he knows how to elevate the players around him,” Jackson said.

The Bengals had been adamant about not trading Palmer, who wanted to be dealt from a team that has had only two winning records in the past 20 years.

Owner Mike Brown repeatedly insisted he wouldn’t consider Palmer’s request for a trade because he didn’t want to reward him for holding out.

He changed his mind after getting the big offer from the Raiders.

Brown said the play of rookie quarterback Andy Dalton made it easier to trade Palmer.

“We also find ourselves rather suddenly in position of being able to receive real value for Carson that can measurably improve our team, which is performing well and is showing real promise for this year and years to come,” Brown said in a statement.