"Finally free to speak his mind after 10 months of being in football limbo, Carson Palmer said it was a variety of factors that caused him to ask Bengals president Mike Brown for a trade when last season ended.

On Tuesday, Palmer got his wish as the Bengals traded him to Oakland for what could end up being two first-round picks.

"It was a number of different things but I spoke my peace with them (the organization). It was just time," Palmer told The Enquirer Tuesday night from Oakland. "I know this was a selfish decision. I know what I was doing but after lots of thought and talking to different people that it was what was best for both sides.

"I had my meeting at the end of last season with Mr. Brown and said the best thing to do was to move on and rebuild with the young talent and nucleus that they had. I'm glad that he realized that.""