By Justin Worsley
Jake Delhomme, the all-time leader in passing yards for the Carolina Panthers, has signed a two year deal with the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns, who are coming off a miserable 5-11 campaign, which ended on a high note when the team won their last four games, are cleaning house under new General Manager Mike Holmgrem. After releasing quarterback Derek Anderson last week, Cleveland immediately looked at Delhomme, who is a proven veteran and team leader. In 2003, Delhomme brought the Panthers to the franchise's first Super Bowl.
Delhomme, who will compete for the starting job as the Browns signal caller, will also be a mentor to Brady Quinn, the Browns first-round draft pick in 2007, has yet to live up to his expectations, posting a 3-9 career record in 12 starts.
Delhomme is coming off the worst season of his career. After throwing 18 interceptions, Delhomme broke a finger in his throwing hand and did not return to action for the rest of the season. The Panthers, who were 4-7 with Delhomme as the starter, released him in favor of Matt Moore, who went 4-1 in Delhomme's place. Moore is expected to start next season for Carolina.
The Browns, who also traded for career backup Seneca Wallace last week, are not looking for an immediate fix with Delhomme, who turned 35 last January, but rather a veteran who can help improve the Brown's young quarterbacks, a position the franchise has struggled with since returning to the leagued in 1999.
Delhomme, a Louisiana native who played for University of Louisiana-Lafayette, was also considering returning to the New Orleans Saints, whom Delhomme began his career with. New Orleans, however, have a franchise quarterback in incumbent Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees, meaning Delhomme would only serve as a backup.
Delhomme has passed for 19,892 yards and 123 touchdowns.
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