Panthers Extend Delhomme, But Why?

It's official the Carolina Panthers have inked quarterback Jake Delhomme to a five-year, $42.5 million extension which will keep Delhomme in a Panthers uniform conceivably till 2014. Delhomme will receive $20 million in guaranteed money from the new extension.

Some of you may be thinking why would you give a guy an extention that arguably played one of the worst meaningful football games in NFL history? At first glance, I myself, a huge Panther fan was questioning the move. Than I sat down and examined the move a little bit more until my brain could take any more. 

I came to the conclusion that John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney are loyal, a bit stubborn, and are willing to potentially put the fate of their jobs in Jake Delhomme's hands. Last season Fox and Hurney made a gamble by giving up this years first round pick to move up in last years draft to select Jeff Otah. That gamble paid off as Otah helped Carolina have one of the most dangerous running games in the league.

Well, here we are again, Fox and Hurney are rolling the dice hoping Delhomme's performance against the Arizona Cardinals in which he tossed five interceptions was an aberration. With Delhomme's last performance fresh in the mind of many Panther fans, it's hard to remember the good things he has done.

So, I've decided to ease the minds of the doubters of this deal with a list of reasons why Delhomme should be and is the quarterback moving forward. For all you Delhomme haters I've also included one reason Carolina should have gone a different route.

He's a Winner—In six seasons with the Panthers Delhomme is 54-33 and led Carolina to its first Super Bowl appearance in 2003. Without Delhomme taking the snaps the Panthers are a measly 6-10.

Familiarity—He knows the offense and more importantly has a special connection with Steve Smith when they step on the field. 

Clutch—Yes, I know the Arizona game was an ultimate choke job. But what you may not remember was Delhomme making a crucial throw to Steve Smith to set up a game-winning field goal to win the division in week 17 against the Saints. Not to mention the game-winning touchdown pass to Dante Rosario as time expired in week one.

Age—Delhomme is 34-years-old and when the 2014 season rolls around he will be 39. Best case scenario Delhomme can be an effective starter for Carolina another 3-4 years. A big concern is whether or not Delhomme's surgically repaired elbow can hold up over the course of a couple more seasons.

It was clear that Delhomme wasn't throwing the ball with the same zip in the final weeks as he had early on in the season. Only time will tell if his elbow will hold up but the Carolina Panthers have made a huge investment that it will.