Panthers fans that loath the idea of any plans that include Jake Delhomme as the team’s starting quarterback will be happy to know the team has given Matt Moore a one- year contract tender worth a little of three million dollars. It is the highest possible tender and if another team signs Moore they will have to give the Panthers a first and third round draft pick. I’d be shocked if there is any team in the NFL willing to give up that much for Moore so it looks like he will be back in Charlotte next season.
Delhomme will be back too and he and Moore will duke it out for the starting job this summer. I’d still like to see the team take a look at Mike Vick this offseason. I don’t think it is going to happen, although Vick has stated he would love to play for the Panthers. I know the knocks on Vick, both on and off the field, but I think he could be a force with Steve Smith and the running back duo of DeAngelo Smith and Jonathan Stewart.
Knowing the Panthers history and Jerry Richardson’s focus on family values there probably little or no chance Vick will end up in Charlotte. With Julius Peppers leaving, the team does need to find a way to get the fans excited again and Vick would do that for sure.
Even if they don’t grab Vick, the team needs to be active. By not bringing back Peppers the organization saved 20 million dollars. At least half, if not all of that needs to be spent on brining in some guys that can get the team back in the playoffs.
The Panthers have a good core of players and could get right back in the thick of things if they make the right moves this offseason. Along with quarterback, they need another solid wide receiver to compliment Steve Smith. Say what you want about Delhomme, he hasn’t had a lot of good options to throw to other than Smith. Defenses have figured this out and can double team Smith and get away with it because the other receivers can’t hurt them. We’ve seen this play out over and over. Smith gets doubled. The offense struggles. Smith gets frustrated. Smith tells Delhomme to get him the ball. Delhomme forces a pass to Smith. The pass is intercepted. Fans curse Delhomme.
Getting another solid receiver will help whoever the quarterback is next season. The team also needs some help on its defensive line and the secondary could use some depth. These are all areas that can be filled this offseason if the Panthers brass can pull the right strings.
