Thursday, March 26, 2009

Extend Jake? Absolutely

Panther fans will debate as to whether Jake Delhomme deserves a contract extension given that six-turnover debacle in the playoff loss to Arizona.

But to me, there's no debate: Delhomme should get the extension for 3 reasons.

1) It's the right thing to do. Delhomme is the best QB in franchise history. He has guided the team to the Final 8 of the playoffs or better 3 different times. His arm strength is as good as it has ever been. He's the best leader in that locker room. And, to me, Good Jake still outweighs Bad Jake.

2) It's practical. Delhomme counts a staggering $11 million toward the salary cap in 2009 -- that's not as bad as Julius Peppers, but it's a huge hit. Extend Delhomme even for just a couple of seasons and you can pro-rate that money, possibly cutting the salary impact this season in half. And remember, even if you sign Delhomme to a 4-year extension, that doesn't mean he's necessarily the starting QB for four years -- or even on the team for that long.

3) I don't like the alternatives. Trade for Jay Cutler? No, thanks -- the Panthers don't need that headache. Go into 2010 with Moore and McCown? Scary. Draft a QB and start him? Don't think so.

Jake is far from perfect -- and in the biggest game of the 2008 season, he was horrible. But I remain convinced signing Delhomme, 34, to a longer contract is Carolina's best alternative.

8 comments:

Chris said...

Agree 100%

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
curt54 said...

i agree with resigning jake to an extension because it is in the best interest for the team as of now. however, jake has been handed many opportunities to be successful and for whatever reasons these so called jake blunder games are becoming more prevelant with every season. This year should be jake's judgement year. If things aren't looking good to start out then a change must be at qb, and i say whats so scary about matt moore?

Anonymous said...

5 interceptions...that's all i have to say

J. Patrick Terry said...

truckdriver731, 12-4 is all I have to say.

Smitty said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Smitty said...

5 ints?So what?Everybody makes mistakes.It's just unlucky 4 Jake to make mistakes in such an important game.

Unknown said...

I think the Arizona game had more to do with the game plan(or lack thereoff). Jake should never have had to throw most of those passes, we should have pounded the ball down their throat. Jake should be extended, though I agree at some point Matt Moore should take over. Jake would be a great mentor/backup for him.