Panthers sign Delhomme to five-year extension

Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter of their NFC Divisional Round NFL playoff game in Charlotte, North Carolina, January 10, 2009.

RALEIGH (Reuters) - The Carolina Panthers underlined their faith in Jake Delhomme on Thursday by signing the quarterback to a five-year contract extension that local media said was worth $42.5 million.

"We all know last year was a good year that ended terribly, especially for myself," Delhomme said on the team's website (www.panthers.com). "That's fuel to my fire to work (hard) this offseason the way we have been and I have been so far.

"I'm looking forward to adding a few more pieces (in the draft) on Saturday and Sunday and seeing what we can do."

Last season's promising campaign ended on a sour note when Delhomme guided the team to a 12-4 record and the NFC South division title only to toss five interceptions in a 33-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the divisional playoff.

But the Panthers chose not focus on one game and instead offered a vote of confidence in the 34-year-old quarterback who has guided them to three playoff appearances, two NFC South titles, an NFC championship and a Super Bowl appearance.

Following a stint in NFL Europe and parts of two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Delhomme signed as a free agent with Panthers in 2003.

In his first game, Delhomme came off the bench at halftime with Carolina trailing 17-0 and engineered a 24-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has held the starting job since.

After six seasons in Charlotte, Delhomme ranks as the team's all-time leader with 2,348 pass attempts, 1,402 completions, 17,243 passing yards and 112 touchdown passes.

(Writing by Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Ken Ferris

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