NFL Free Agency: Jake Delhomme Released, Will Carolina Panthers Sign Him?

Call me crazy, but I want to see Jake Delhomme finish his career with the Carolina Panthers.

Adam Schefter of ESPN has reported that the Cleveland Browns will release the 13-year veteran; however, Delhomme still wants to play.

As much respect I have for Delhomme, let's be real here. Will there be any interest for him outside of Carolina? The Denver Broncos might have some, since John Fox is the head coach now, but it's obvious he is washed up after he threw seven interceptions and just two touchdowns last year.

The Panthers have told quarterback Matt Moore that he will not be re-signed, leaving a big need for a veteran quarterback to mentor these young quarterbacks.

That's where Delhomme comes in.

I'm not expecting Jake Delhomme to come in, play at the level he did in 2003 and save this team.

God forbid, if the Panthers made Jake Delhomme their starting quarterback, all hell would break loose in Carolina.

However, Jake Delhomme would be perfect for the veteran mentor QB role Carolina desperately needs right now. The coaches, the fans and Delhomme himself realize that his time is done in the NFL.

That doesn't mean Delhomme can't make an impact with a team; like I said, I can't think of anyone better to be a mentor on this football team.

However, Carolina cleaned house after last season and installed a whole new coaching staff, one Delhomme is not familiar with. The offense is changing to build around first overall pick Cam Newton, something else Delhomme is not familiar with.

It's an obviously debatable subject here, but I think Carolina bringing back Delhomme would be a sign of hope for fans. Not that they want Delhomme to play, necessarily, but having him on this football team would bring back memories of how well this Panthers team can play.

Delhomme may have gotten booed out of Carolina last season, but at one time he was the biggest hero all around Carolina. He is a hard man not to love, and I believe Carolina fans will be very forgiving.