Browns Sign Quarterback Delhomme To Two-Year Pact; Deal Quinn To Broncos

Cleveland, OH, United States (AHN) – The Cleveland Browns made a key move on the free agency market Saturday, acquiring former Pro Bowl quarterback Jake Delhomme with a two-year deal.

Delhomme is expected to be the team’s starter after the Browns dealt Brady Quinn to the Broncos Sunday, getting Peyton Hillis, and a draft pick in 2011 along with a conditional pick in 2012.

Browns president of football operations Mike Holmgren has been busy this offseason, trying to rebuild a franchise that hasn’t made into the postseason since 2003.

The Browns have already made a number of deals since the free-agency period began on March 3, but Delhomme is the team’s most significant acquisition this spring.

In 1997, Delhomme came into the league as an undrafted player, hooking up with the New Orleans Saints and its NFL Europe affiliate Amsterdam Admirals and Frankfurt Galaxy.

In 2003, the quarterback finally landed a starting role with the Carolina Panthers, where he became the franchise’s all-time leader in passing attempts, pass completions, and passing yards.

With Delhomme quarterbacking, the Panthers reached Super Bowl XXXVIII, where he tossed an 85-touchdown pass in a losing effort against the New England Patriots.

He was also selected to the 2005 Pro Bowl, completing 7 of 10 passes for 53 yards and a lost fumble.

In 2009, the Panthers signed Delhomme to a five-year, $42.5 million deal with $20 million guaranteed money.

However, Delhomme’s stats significantly declined this past season, as he passed for just 2,015 yards with a career-high 18 interceptions.

The Panthers released Delhomme on March 5, ending his seven-year tenure in Carolina.

Sources indicated Delhomme, 35, will receive at least $7 million for 2010 (starter’s salary).

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