Is Delhomme's Release From The Panthers Opening the Door For Vick?

Now that Jake Delhomme is no longer with the Carolina Panthers, the only question that remains to be answered is who will start at quarterback for John Fox in 2010.

As of now, the leading candidate appears to be Matt Moore, who started the final five games of the regular season last year and will be entering his fourth season with the Panthers. However, there is one player who could end up competing for the starting job in Carolina next season.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.

After playing as the third string quarterback and spending most of the 2009 season for random plays in the Wild Cat formation, Vick already indicated he’s ready to be a starter for a team next year—even if it’s with a team other than the Eagles. What’s even more interesting is his recent interest in playing for the Panthers.

During a recent interview on Hot 107.9 FM in Atlanta, Vick expressed his interest in playing for the Panthers next season, indicating Carolina would be his top choice if given a team to pick. Not only is he capable of giving Moore a run for his money as the starter in 2010, but this would mean Vick would return to the NFC South and play against the Atlanta Falcons not once, but twice next season.

“If I had to pick one, it would probably be the Carolina Panthers,” Vick said.  “Well, you know, it’s close to  home. I like the uniforms. You get to play against Atlanta twice a year. Ain’t nothing better than playing against your former team, right? So, yeah, that would be a good look, it would be a good look.”

So will Vick end up with the Panthers for the 2010 season? Now that Delhomme is out of the picture, the possibility appears more likely than before.

However, Carolina may have to give up more than they want to now that the Eagles appear to be keeping Vick around longer than expected. Many assumed the Eagles would part ways with Vick—whether it be from a trade or release—before March to avoid the $1.5 million roster bonus they would owe him.

Instead, Philadelphia is taking a different approach than most expected by keeping Vick around longer than expected, which means they may end up controlling his 2010 destiny. If they do decide to trade him to a team like Carolina, the Panthers would have to surrender at least a second round pick since that’s what the Eagles seem to be asking for.

So is it too early to speculate Delhomme’s release as a possible sign of Vick heading to Carolina next season?

Maybe.

For now, don’t be surprised if talks of Vick to the Panthers begin to heat up over the next few weeks—especially now that Carolina will officially begin a new quarterback era next season.

Dan Parzych is the Eagles Fan Voice for NFLTouchdown.com.

He is also the founder of the new NFCEastFootball.com.

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