NFL Lockout's Impact On The Cincinnati Bengals

They are mess and might battle the Cleveland Browns for title of league's worst team. They have several star players who are on the decline or disgruntled. Head coach Marvin Lewis must decide what do with quarterback Carson Palmer. The 31-year-old quarterback is threatening to retire if the Bengals don't trade him. The big problem with that proposition is teams can't trade players without a new CBA. So the Bengals are stuck in QB-limbo. If they draft a quarterback this April, it might diminish Palmer's trade value. Cincy has so many needs, it's going to be hard for the Bengals to turn it around. In all likelihood, this year will be Lewis' last as a Bengals head coach.

Carson Palmer serious about leaving Cincinnati Bengals

A game of chicken has started in Cincinnati and neither the Bengals nor Carson Palmer are blinking. According to WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, Palmer told a friend, "I will never set foot in Paul Brown Stadium again."

The reports also quotes Palmer as saying, "I have $80 million in the bank. I don't have to play football for money. I'll play it for the love of the game but that would have to be elsewhere. I'm prepared to live my life."

Palmer has demanded a trade from the Bengals, but ownership and head coach Marvin Lewis are reportedly refusing to listen.

Palmer, who will turn 32 during the season, has a contract with the Bengals through 2014.

2011 NFL Schedule: Cincinnati Bengals

(All Times ET)
Sept. 11 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Sept. 18 at Denver, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 25 San Francisco, 1 p.m.
Oct. 2 Buffalo, 1 p.m.
Oct. 9 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Oct. 16 Indianapolis, 1 p.m.
Oct. 23 BYE
Oct. 30 at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 6 at Tennessee, 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 13 Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
Nov. 20 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Nov. 27 Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Dec. 4 at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
Dec. 11 Houston, 1 p.m.
Dec. 18 at St. Louis, 1 p.m.
Dec. 24 Arizona, 1 p.m.
Jan. 1 Baltimore, 1 p.m.