Brothers in arms

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Jordan Palmer and big brother Carson talked before Jordan signed a two-year contract this morning to join the Bengals.

"We made sure we both understood that it's a business first, that I'll get out here and get my own life," Jordan told The Enquirer before boarding a plane back to California. "Still, whether it's football or another job, it's going to be fun to work with your brother."

Carson Palmer is 28 and headed into his sixth NFL season. Jordan is a first-year NFL player, a sixth-round draft pick last year by the Washington Redskins who played in just one preseason game before being waived Sept. 1. Jordan will turn 24 on May 30.

The reason Jordan was flying back to California?

"Carson is heading for the Super Bowl on Thursday," Jordan said. "I'm dog-sitting for him. Always the little brother."

Jordan is not physically little, just young. At 6-feet-5, 231 pounds, he started 42 games for Texas-El Paso and threw 88 touchdowns. The Bengals like his physical size, arm strength and overall strength.

"They see me as having the tools to play," Jordan said. "They have the confidence that they can coach and develop me into the player they want."

Coach? Jordan, through his brother, already knows quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese and offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski -- the only position coach and coordinator Carson has had in the NFL.

"They know I kind of fit the mold, too," Jordan said. "I'm not going to go in there and try to run around. I'm like Carson."

Jordan Palmer played in 46 career games (42 starts) for UTEP. He finished his UTEP career with 11,084 passing yards and 88 touchdown passes, both school records. As a senior in 2006, he set single-season records for passing yards (3595), completions (282), completion percentage (65.7) and passer efficiency (149.6).

The Bengals have two other quarterbacks under contract: Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jeff Rowe. Fitzpatrick is a restricted free agent, but he is expected to return to the Bengals. He was the No. 2 quarterback behind Carson Palmer.

When Jordan Palmer entered the 2007 draft, he and Carson didn't want Jordan to sign with the Bengals.

Why?

"There were 31 other teams out there," Jordan said. "It was important for me to go somewhere else and get my career established. Now it is different. He is a great guy to learn behind. I can learn a lot from Carson, and I will offer him all of the support I can."

Since he was waived by the Redskins in September, Jordan Palmer "flew all across the country and tried out for about 37 teams. I worked out. I got in great shape. I did some media and charity work. And I got ready for a chance like this."

Parents Bill and Danna Palmer are happy.

"Of course they are," Jordan said, "cheaper airfare and great photo ops."