Carson Palmer
Questions about Carson Palmer or the Bengals?
Carson Palmer Legacy
HEYTC AICarson Palmer Rating Breakdown
Carson Palmer Career Stats via Wikipedia
Carson Palmer Career Timeline
HEYTC AI2024 1
Game-Winning Drives Record Recognition
Palmer was recognized for tying for 7th all-time with 35 regular-season game-winning drives, highlighting his clutch performances.
2017 2
Career Passing Yards Milestone
Palmer finished his career (2004-2017) with 46,247 passing yards, ranking among the NFL's all-time leaders.
Retirement from NFL
Carson Palmer retired after the 2017 season with the Cardinals, concluding a 15-year career.
2016 1
Torn ACL Injury
Palmer suffered another major injury, a torn ACL in Week 8 against the Bills, which ended his season and contributed to the Cardinals' injury-plagued year.
2015 2
NFC Championship Appearance
Palmer led the Cardinals to the NFC Championship Game after defeating the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round, their deepest playoff run in years.
NFL MVP Award
Palmer won the NFL MVP award after leading the Cardinals to a 13-3 record, throwing for over 4,600 yards and 35 touchdowns.
2011 1
Traded to Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals traded for quarterback Carson Palmer from the Oakland Raiders to pair him with star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald; he played 5 years with the team.
2009 1
Traded to Raiders
The Bengals traded Carson Palmer to the Oakland Raiders, where he played for 1 year amid reported tensions with the organization.
2006 1
Major ACL Injury
Palmer suffered a severe ACL tear in the playoffs, a major injury that sidelined him for much of the following season.
2005 1
First Pro Bowl Selection
Palmer earned his first Pro Bowl selection after a breakout season with the Bengals, leading to multiple Pro Bowl nods during his tenure.
2004 1
Rookie Contract with Bengals
Palmer signed his rookie contract with the Bengals after being selected first overall and began his career with the team, playing 7 years total.
2003 1
Drafted by Bengals
Carson Palmer was the first overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carson Palmer
How does Joe Burrow compare to Carson Palmer?
Joe Burrow's got the arm talent and poise to chase Carson Palmer's Bengals throne, but Palmer's 46-51 record, 4,000-yard explosions like that 2005 tear, and three Pro Bowls set a rugged benchmark—Burrow's playoff demons echo Palmer's early knee woes, yet today's rules could let Joey eclipse those 46,247 yards if he stays healthy.
Is Carson Palmer in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Nope, Carson Palmer's not in Canton—his 294 TDs and 87.9 rating earned Pro Bowls and a 2005 Comeback Player nod, but 187 picks and no deep runs left him short. Think of him as the gunslinger who lit up scoreboards from Cincy to Arizona, just not bust-worthy by committee standards.
What is Carson Palmer doing now in 2026?
Post-retirement in 2017, Palmer's kept a low profile—no broadcasting gigs or big charity splashes popping up by 2026. The ex-Heisman winner from USC, who torched the league for 46k yards, seems content golfing or family time, away from the gridiron glare like so many QBs who cashed out smart.
How would Carson Palmer perform in today's NFL?
Palmer's cannon arm and 62.5% completion would feast in today's pass-happy NFL—fewer defenders draped over Chad Johnson, no more vicious hits. That 2015 Cardinals MVP push with 4,671 yards? He'd pad 35-TD seasons easily, turning those 187 INTs into highlights under Arians-style schemes.
How does Carson Palmer compare to Ken Anderson?
Ken Anderson's 39.41 ANY/A dwarfs Palmer's 28.21, owning Bengals lore with 1975 MVP precision while Palmer slung 46k yards in a bomb-happy era—Anderson the surgeon, Palmer the riverboat gambler. Both franchise pillars, but Ken's efficiency edges the gunslinger's volume game.