Speculation Over Delhomme's Future Still Runs Rampant

by panthersfan2 on Feb 24, 2009 7:16 PM EST Comment 15 comments

Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme is in the final year of his contract. However, there have been no discussions between Panthers management, Delhomme, or Jake's agent, Rick Smith.

"I would assume eventually (we will talk about it)," Smi

Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme is in the final year of his contract. However, there have been no discussions between Panthers management, Delhomme, or Jake's agent, Rick Smith.

Delhomme, who turned 34 on the fateful night of one of his worst performances as a Panther, is set to make $5.235 million base salary, the second-highest base salary on the team.

When asked if the Panthers might consider asking Delhomme to restructure his contract in order to make room in the salary cap for free agent signings which begin Friday, Smith said, "Basically, you'd have to do a whole new contract."

"I would assume eventually (we will talk about it)," Smith said.

Delhomme played the entire 2008 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery in the offseason. He led the Panthers to a 12-4 record and an NFC South title. He completed 59.4 percent of his passes for 3,288 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

Coach John Fox defended Delhomme for his lackluster performance against the Cardinals in the divisional round of the playoffs, in which he threw five picks and fumbled the ball once, which was returned for a touchdown. Fox said he still views Delhomme as the starter in 2009.

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If the Panthers make no offer to Jake to extend or sign a new contract

then that is very telling. The Panthers would be telling Jake that he has to have a very good year to earn a new contract offer. If that is their plan then drafting a QB just might be in the cards.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Feb 24, 2009 8:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure on this one

I agree that Jake would have to have a very good year to earn a new contract offer, but the thing is, if the Panthers don’t come up with a new contract right now to “downsize” Delhomme’s current contract, then they won’t have as much space with the salary cap. They did get Landon Johnson to sign a one year deal and take a salary cut, why can’t they sign Jake to a one year deal and do the same? Or does it work that way?

I’m not too keen on the draft class of QB’s this season. Right now it seems as though the Peppers fiasco is at a stalemate, and we have no first round picks. What quality of QB will fall to the second round? I’m thinking the Panthers should bring in a veteran free agent at QB. At least for a one or two year deal, but even then their options are pretty limited. I think they’ll wind up leaving things alone with Jake and let him ride out his last year.

Good insight though, Jaxon.

by panthersfan2 on Feb 24, 2009 9:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Why would Jake sign a one year deal for less $?

I’m sure he would want a 3 yr deal minimum if not more. Just my thought on it

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Feb 24, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

I’m sure he would want a minimum 3-year deal, but the Panthers don’t seem like they’re interested in giving him that. Maybe they want him to sweat about it, though that seems somewhat childish. It could also be that they might try to restructure someone else’s contract and leave his alone, making him play out his contract and earning an extension. I’m fairly perplexed over the lack of talk between the parties myself.

by panthersfan2 on Feb 25, 2009 5:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

If the Panthers are trying to get rid of you why would you help them do so. I think the Panthers will get a new deal done for Jake for something over 3 years.

Wait for the the 2009 Oaklands A's season to start I can not. Herh herh herh.

by A'sfaninNC on Feb 25, 2009 9:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So long Jake....

…..Although I’ve been a fairly big supporter of Delhomme in the past, this seems like a harbinger of things to come. We may end up taking a QB in this year’s draft, then letting him and Moore battle it out for the starter’s spot once Delhomme leaves. Then agian, does anyone know what next year’s free agent QB class looks like?

by bravesfan91 on Feb 24, 2009 9:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

One more year Jake

I’m still enough of a supporter to say give Delhomme enough rope to either hang himself or redeem himself in his contract year.

I don’t know what next year’s free agent QB class looks like, I’m not particularly keen on this year’s; I feel the best options are so very limited; Cassel, Leftwich, MAYBE Garcia, and perhaps Derek Anderson, but I don’t see any longterm deals there aside from perhaps Cassel, but the Pats have him pretty well tied up.

Good insight though, bravesfan.

by panthersfan2 on Feb 24, 2009 9:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you

I have no problem giving Jake a shot to rebound from his terrible play-off performance. At 34 though he has to realize his shot will be a short one.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Feb 24, 2009 11:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Right on

This is a down to the wire shot for Jake. Either get it right or hit the road. I’d like to see him retire out of Carolina when he’s ready, myself. But, if he doesn’t perform well, it won’t pay to keep him.

by panthersfan2 on Feb 25, 2009 5:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tough times

As a big fan of Jake’s since his high school days at Teurlings in Lafayette, LA. & UL-Lafayette…….it’s been a pleasure watching him play in NFLEurope, for the Saints, and certainly, for the Panthers. Even though he broke the Louisiana passing records at UL, he wasn’t even drafted. He’s a humble guy, and will tell you point blank, that if the trip ended today, he’s been blessed to be able to play in the NFL, and to even play in a Superbowl. No one feels worse than he does about the absolute worst game he’s played in his life…….. unfortunately in the playoffs against Arizona. At 34; I’m sure he realizes his days are numbered as a starting NFL QB. That said; I personally believe he’s got a couple good years left. I look for the Panthers to make him a deal for 2……..possibly 3 years. Probably not for the big bucks he got on his previous contract. Meanwhile; Moore really impressed me with his moxie & his ability to cope with the speed of the game when he came in as a rookie. I believe he has the potential to be another QB find like Cassell, or Rivers……….given time to mature of course. I also like McCown as a solid backup who could possibly play full-time and do well in the Panthers’ scheme if called upon. I simply don’t believe QB is a critical problem right now. If they lose any more O-Linemen, or don’t shore up the sieve that’s called a defensive backfield; we’re REALLY in trouble. GEAUX PANTHERS !!!

by koala on Mar 5, 2009 10:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Welcome to the blog Koala

Nice to see there are Panthers fans down in enemy territory…You are certainly the first to exclaim GAUX Panthers! on this blog. I love it!!

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Mar 6, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Jason!

Glad to be aboard. After suffering as a Saints fan from ‘71 to ’01……..moving to Carolina with Jake was a no-brainer. The dysfunctional organization that is the New Orleans Saints broke my heart just once too often. Got sick of Brooks throwing INTs & then laughing on the sidelines while the losses piled up. When he got hurt; Hasslett was too hard-headed or just too stupid to play a perfectly healthy and productive Jake, who was waiting on the sideline. It was too much for me as well as many of the fans. You’ll find a buncha ex-Saints fans who are now Carolina fans. I love rooting for a REAL team and organization that WANTS and TRIES to win. It’s a welcome relief on Sundays. GEAUX PANTHERS !!!

by koala on Mar 7, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

I’m a converted Saints fan as well. If you want to call it that. I was a saints fan until the Panthers organization was announced and I was instantly a Panther fan. I was born and raised in NC and the only reason I was a Saints fan was because my father bought me a Saints shirt while he was driving truck around the mid 80s.

But they where quickly replaced and I haven’t looked back since.

by LittleKing on Mar 7, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lotsa Common threads

Of course; the Panthers’ 1st head coach was a former Saint Defensive Coordinator. When he went to Carolina, he brought along some pretty good players, as well. Sam Mills & Brett Maxie come to mind, as well as a defensive lineman whose name escapes me now………..real big white boy; nicknamed “Big Country”. Of course, later on, an all-pro tight-end made the journey to Carolina too. We used to lovingly refer to Carolina as “New Orleans-East”. I always was envious of the fact that straight out of the box, they were well organized, and competitive……..(I also prefer their team colors)……unlike the always unpredictable or hung-over Saints. It all starts at the top of the organization I guess; and Carolina has one of the best Owners in the league. Now; I’m a happy camper………we’ve just gotta find a way to get back to the Superbowl.:) GEAUX PANTHERS !!!

by koala on Mar 8, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs