Carson Palmer didn't seem like a bargain when Oakland acquired him in 2011 for first- and second-round draft picks He was 32-years-old and coming off the least productive three-year stretch of his career. He certainly appeared to be on the doorstep of decline.
And a cursory glance at his numbers in 24 starts with the Raiders gave every indication that was the case. He went 8-of-16 and threw 35 touchdown passes to 30 interceptions, the most dubious touchdown to interception ratio of any two-year period of his career. Somehow, though, despite all the pitfalls of pursuing an aging quarterback seemingly on a downswing, Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim saw something in Palmer that told him he had the ability to turn Arizona into a winner. And he was right, making a play for Palmer by sending a sixth-round pick and a swap of seventh-round selections.
"Oh God, that was the trade of the century by Steve Keim," Arizona head coach Bruce Arians told ESPN.
In the 40 games he's played for the Cardinals, Palmer has already won almost as many games as he did in seven seasons with Cincinnati (only two fewer).
Last season, he posted the most passing yards (4,671) and passing touchdowns (35) of his career on his way to becoming an MVP finalist, and leading the Cardinals to a 13-3 record—-the organization's best record in forever. He's also tied with Tom Brady for the highest winning percentage (.750) during that stretch.
You'd have to say that Keim really did pull off the trade of the century when he got Palmer for that paltry sum. And given that the Cardinals have gone from NFC West doormat to perennial playoff contender since his arrival, Keim looks like a genius for having taken that leap of faith.
