On the Prowl?

NFL rules state that all trades must be completed by 4pm tomorrow. This means that if anybody still wants the quarterback dubbed "quitter" in Cincinnati, they will have to stop stalking and start pouncing.

Several teams have been rumored to be courting the former Bengals quarterback who announced his intention to retire if not traded by the Bengals early in the off season. The Seattle Seahawks seemed to be an early fit for Palmer who played under head coach Pete Carroll at USC where Carson won the Heisman Trophy in 2002. Most analysts felt that it would at least be a possibility for Palmer to rejoin fellow USC alums Lofa Tatupu and Mike Williams in Seattle to replace the departed Matt Hasselbeck whom the 'Hawks lost to Tennessee in free agency.

Although the Seahawks ended up tapping Tavaris Jackson in June, whispers were still heard about the possible USC reunion in the great northwest. That is, until this week when Raiders' signal caller, Jason Campbell, broke his throwing side collarbone. NFL sources have confirmed that the silver and black have made a strong plea to Bengals owner Mike Brown to reverse his staunch vow not to grant Palmer a trade. Brown, a man known for sticking to his guns, said he would "not reward Carson for stepping away prior to completing his commitment" before the 2011 season.

The best news about this story is that it will only be news until 4pm Tuesday when the NFL trade deadline officially expires. Unlike so many dramas in football today, this one has a very short shelf-life. For that matter, so does the soon to be 32 year-old Palmer who, if Mike Brown holds his ground, is likely facing the last day of his NFL career.