Cincinnati Bengals: All-time passing leaders in franchise history

Cincinnati Bengals All-Time Passing Leaders – No. 4: Carson Palmer (22,694)

Bengals Quarterback from 2004-2010

The Bengals weren’t good in the 2003 season and that led to them holding the No. 1 overall pick. Fortunately, it was a good year to have the top pick in the draft, as Carson Palmer was coming off a prolific season at USC that saw him throwing for 3,942 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions and winning the Heisman Trophy.

Palmer was the pick and unlike most No. 1 overall picks, he sat on the bench during his rookie season, as Jon Kitna held onto the job for the entire year. Palmer got the go-ahead to start in 2004 and didn’t relinquish the job until his time in Cincinnati came to an end.

During that time, Palmer threw for 22,694 yards, 154 touchdowns, and 100 interceptions through 97 starts. He made the Pro Bowl in 2005 and 2006 after posting impressive numbers in each of those two seasons.

Unfortunately, the Bengals didn’t surround Palmer with great teams during his time with the organization and that led to the breakup between the two sides. He refused to play for them after a rough 2010 season and demanded to be traded.

After the Bengals took Andy Dalton in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft and he showed promise during his rookie season, Cincinnati realized they could part ways with Palmer and be okay. So, naturally, Palmer was sent to Oakland for the next chapter of his career.

Palmer played for the Raiders for two years and finished his career with the Cardinals (where he spent five years), eventually retiring after the 2017 season.