Speaking to WFNZ this morning Marty Hurney said that Jason Baker is the key to Jimmy Clausen v. Cam Newton fight for the #2.

"Why Baker?" You may ask, well that's because in 2010 Clausen wanted the #7, the number he wore in both high school and at Notre Dame. The Carolina Panthers' punter was reluctant to relinquish his number to the rookie QB, so Clausen took #2. What makes this whole situation even more amusing are two points: 

1. Jason Baker has worn the numbers 6 and 9 before (both vacant).

2. The team cannot get involved in the jersey number negotiation because of the lockout.

So while anxious fans have money balled up in their hands waiting to purchase a Cam Newton jersey think of two quarterbacks and on punter at a table trying to get this worked out.

But, that's just one element of what Hurney said and we'll talk about two other points... after the jump

On Steve Smith:

Hurney would not discuss the nature of Steve Smith's trade demand saying he's never discussed personal matters publicly.

On veteran QBs:

Hurney said the Panthers are looking for a veteran QB, and are currently making the decision whether to pursue a QB who wants to play immediately (presumably McNabb, Bulger or Hasselbeck) or a QB content being a 'mentor' without necessarily starting.

What's interesting about that 'mentor' type QB is... wait for it... it could very much open the door for Jake Delhomme to return to the Carolina Panthers. Honestly, would you rather a guy like Billy Volek or Kerry Collins come to Carolina, or Delhomme? If given the choice I'm taking the latter every single time- and Jake has the added value of helping the current QBs identify with the locker room.

On Clausen (from Joe Person):

"Signs point to no. RT @DanielTDenny Look into your crystal ball, is Clausen a Panther after the trade deadline this coming season?"