Jake Delhomme Pressure Free, Back to Enjoying Football

2009 is a year that Jake Delhomme would like to forget.  The ten year NFL veteran battled injuries, angry fans and the criticism received from a large contract extension, all of which led to his worst year as a pro. 

“If this was last year, I’d probably be putting on a good face, but deep down inside I would still be trying to be perfect. I really tried to take the world on my shoulders, and that didn’t do anybody on the team any good.”

Indeed it didn’t.  Carolina’s starting quarterback for most of the season watched his QB Rating plummet to an abysmal 59.4, throwing only 8 touchdowns to 18 interceptions in his 11 games.  Before the season started the Panthers awarded him with a 5 year, $42.5 extension.  It appeared Carolina was committed to Delhomme, even after the worst game of his career in a playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

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

Whoops.

Only one year into his new deal, Delhomme was released by the Panthers, who are still forced to pay the remaining money on his deal ($12.7 million this year alone).  A week after being shown the door, new Browns President Mike Holmgren found the veteran he was looking for, and quickly signed Jake to a two year deal.  Add in the $7 million Cleveland will pay Delhomme, and his total salary comes out to $19.7 million for 2010.

The money isn’t the most important thing Jake insists, it’s the fresh start.

“I keep saying it over and over, but everything here has been fresh, it’s been fun,” he said. “That’s what makes it so enjoyable for me. I’m really looking forward to starting the season.”

Delhomme’s role now transitions from franchise savior to veteran leader, one he is much more comfortable with.  He knows Colt McCoy is the future of the Browns, and that it’s his job to hold down the fort until McCoy is ready to ride.  But as his first preseason game shows (6-of-7 for 66 yards, leading the Browns to a touchdown in his only drive) Delhomme may not be ready to give up the reigns quite yet.