Then rookie Andy Dalton stepped in and played well for surprising Cincinnati, and Oakland came calling with a blockbuster deal.
That was enough to change Brown’s mind, and he dealt Palmer to the Raiders for two high draft picks shortly before the trade deadline Tuesday.
The Raiders needed a quarterback to replace Jason Campbell, who broke his collarbone in Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns. Campbell had surgery Monday and was expected to miss at least six weeks, leaving the Raiders with only Kyle Boller and Terrelle Pryor on the roster.
Palmer wanted to leave the Bengals, who have had only two winning records in the past 20 years.
Cincinnati (4-2) will get a 2012 first-round pick and a second-rounder in 2013 for the 31-year-old quarterback.
Brown said the play of 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,” he said in a statement.
Palmer, who had been working out in Southern California, quickly reported to the Raiders’ facility and will immediately start learning the offense. Oakland (4-2) hosts Kansas City on Sunday, then has a bye week.
PONDER TIME IS NOW
The sports agency that represents Christian Ponder has tweeted that the rookie quarterback will start for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday against Green Bay.
“Congrats to (hash)Vikings client @cponder7 for earning the start for next week’s game,” SportsTrust Advisors posted to its Twitter account. The Associated Press left messages for agent Jimmy Sexton, and a Vikings spokesman said the team would not comment until today.
NFL.com first reported that coach Leslie Frazier informed Ponder and veteran Donovan McNabb of his decision.
NO BENSON FOR HAWKS
Bengals running back Cedric Benson had his original three-game suspension reduced to one game without pay and a fine equaling another game check for his misdemeanor assault cases settled before the season. He’ll miss the game in Seattle on Oct. 30.
EXTRA POINTS
The Lions acquired tailback Ronnie Brown from the Eagles for former Washington State running back Jerome Harrison and a draft pick in 2013. … The Jaguars put tight end Zach Miller on injured reserve Tuesday because of a shoulder injury. … Kent Hull, Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly’s center during the Bills’ AFC title years in the early 1990s, has died. He was 50. The cause of death of the three-time Pro Bowl selection was not known.
