QB Jake Delhomme, CAR

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2009 Outlook: Quality Backup

It will be difficult for fantasy owners not to think about Jake Delhomme's five interception performance in the playoffs versus Arizona last season when calling his name out on draft day, however Carolina's front office apparently has by rewarding Delhomme with a 5 year $42.5 million contract extension on April 25th. Delhomme became the first QB to undergo Tommy John surgery on his elbow in 2007 and was underwhelming upon his return in the 2008 regular season for Carolina; throwing for 3,288 yards with 15 TD's and 12 interceptions. Jake Delhomme is a quality starting QB in the NFL, but his poor decision making under pressure combined with his durability issues have cost the Panthers (and fantasy owners) in each of the past three seasons. Delhomme has limited upside for fantasy purposes, but with the Pro Bowl caliber talent surrounding him in Carolina's offense, Delhomme should be capable of putting up respectable numbers for fantasy owners who select him as a quality backup in the later rounds of 2009 fantasy drafts. Barring injury, Delhomme should eclipse 3,000 yards and throw for 17 TD's in 2009.

Update 8/21

Delhomme looked terrible in the Panthers' pre-season opener versus the New York Giants. You guessed it, Delhomme had problems holding onto the football, fumbling after being sacked by Osi Umenyoria. Delhomme completed 5 of 9 passes for 39 yards, and struggled with his accuracy early in the game. No single Carolina quarterback was impressive (including Delhomme), which raises major red flags for fantasy owners. Aside from Steve Smith, all options in the Carolina passing game should be avoided in fantasy drafts this season.

Average Draft Position

2009 Mock Draft Results