Jake Delhomme Done in Cleveland?

Once a Pro Bowler and the starting quarterback for a Super Bowl team, Jake Delhomme has morphed into possibly the most expensive third-string QB in history. Now, just one season after signing a two-year, reportedyl $12.4 million with the Browns in free agency, Delhomme may find himself looking for a new team, reports James Walker of ESPN’s AFC North Blog.

Walker notes that although “Cleveland’s front office has been elusive on the topic,” Delhomme is looking like “one of the AFC North’s prime candidates to be released,” pending the end of the NFL lockout. Walker justifies his assertion with some pretty simple analysis of the costs and benefits of Delhomme for the Browns:

The Browns like Delhomme’s veteran presence and leadership. But the past two years — including the 2010 season in Cleveland — proved Delhomme, 36, is no longer a starting NFL quarterback. The Browns paid Delhomme $7 million last season to throw for 872 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions in five games. Comparing dollars and production, it was one of the worst investments last year in free agency.

Walker also points out that the Browns recently extended Seneca Wallace’s contract, making him the apparent primary backup to incumbent starter Colt McCoy and relegating Delhomme to the third on the depth chart.

If he is released, it seems likely that Delhomme would at least draw interest from teams looking for a veteran backup, especially those with rookies or other young quarterbacks on the roster, but it appears his days as a starter in the league are over.

by Dan Atkinson

Just a Detroit native, Brooklyn resident, unathletic sports fan, and writer.