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Multiple sources have told Pro Football Weekly that the Panthers will cut QB Jake Delhomme.
The Panthers decided to cut ties with Delhomme, one of the franchise's more popular players until his recent struggles, a day after issuing QB Matt Moore the highest tender, at the first- and third-round level.
"I believe there will be a lot of interest in (Delhomme)," said Priority Sports' Mark Bartelstein, whose agency represents Delhomme, to PFW.
It is believed that the team will make another move to bring in a quarterback, perhaps to challenge Moore for the starting job. GM Marty Hurney, in his pre-free-agency media address, said the team's QB position is open.
Michael Vick recently expressed a desire to play for the Panthers on an Atlanta-area radio show, and rumors also have flown about the Panthers being interested in Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, as well. But this move was made separate of any outside interest from Vick or anyone else.
Delhomme, 35, has struggled badly since his playoff disaster against the Cardinals at the end of the 2008 season. Despite that loss, the team gave him a contract extension prior to this past season that included $20 million guaranteed.
Of that money, the team still owes Delhomme nearly $13 million. The Panthers have severed ties now because the league is heading into an uncapped season, and cutting him now potentially saves the team from taking a severe cap hit down the road.
Delhomme's '09 campaign opened with a nightmare game in Week One, and he led the team to only four wins in 11 starts. Delhomme threw only eight touchdowns and had 18 interceptions and three fumbles lost. Moore replaced Delhomme and compiled a 4-1 mark.
The move to release Delhomme is expected to be made in the next day or two. It no doubt will go down as one of the tougher decisions of owner Jerry Richardson's tenure. Delhomme is one of Richardson's favorites, and he was the choice of head coach John Fox to start for most of last season.
For the most authoritative NFL draft news and free-agency analysis, visit ProFootballWeekly.com.
