Football – NFL: Delhomme gets extension through 2014

The Associated Press • April 24, 2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After the worst game of Jake Delhomme’s career came in an ugly playoff loss, the Carolina Panthers never wavered that he was still their quarterback for the long-term.

On Thursday, they proved it, giving Delhomme a five-year, $42.5 million extension that keeps the 34-year-old under contract through the 2014 season.

"It’s all about being able to know that I can finish my career here in Carolina," Delhomme said. "That’s what I’ve wanted, all I’ve ever wanted."

The deal includes $20 million in guaranteed money and clears much needed salary-cap space for Carolina. Delhomme was to count for more than $10 million under the cap next season in the final year of his deal.

The Panthers’ cap is weighed down by Julius Peppers’ one-year tender under the franchise tag that is worth $16.7 million and has prevented any offseason signings.

Delhomme’s extension comes just over three months following his nightmare performance. After a strong season following reconstructive elbow surgery the year before, Delhomme threw five interceptions and lost a fumble in Carolina’s 33-13 loss to Arizona in the NFC divisional playoffs.

"We all know last year was a good year that ended terribly," Delhomme said. "Nobody was more disappointed than I was for not putting my team in a position to win. That’s something I’ve always tried to pride myself on. … Why it happened, I don’t know."

Delhomme has been taking part in Carolina’s offseason conditioning program this month, while getting strong support from coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney, who have rebuffed suggestions they look for another QB.

The Panthers are 54-33 in the regular season and playoffs in the past six seasons when Delhomme starts, 6-10 when he doesn’t.

"He has been a leader on the field, is a talented quarterback, is a perfect fit for our team and was a big reason we were able to win the NFC South last year," Hurney said. "He has also always represented the team in the highest manner and earned the respect of everyone throughout the organization."