Thursday, March 4, 2010

A 562 percent raise for Matt Moore -- and well worth it

Hey, times are tough all over. Our company's raise and bonus pool is really down. We're sorry, but the only thing we can offer you is a 562 percent raise.

That's what the Panthers did for QB Matt Moore Wednesday. He made $460,000 last season and just got tendered a one-year, $3.043 million offer for 2010, which works out to a staggering 562 percent raise. Not 5.62 percent, but 562 percent. Moore said he was "thrilled," and that's no big surprise to you, I'm sure.

That also means no other team is going to touch Moore, because they'd have to give up a first- and third-round draft pick as compensation to do so. This "maximum tender" offer from the Panthers finally gives us an indication that Carolina really does value Moore and will give him a legit chance to start in 2010, despite coach John Fox's longtime love of Jake Delhomme. (UPDATE: The Panthers released Delhomme unexpectedly the day after signing Moore, so I guess they don't love him that much anymore!)

The Panthers put their money where their mouth is on this one, as well they should. To me, the starting job should be Moore's to lose when he comes into Spartanburg for training camp this summer -- you just can't argue with a 4-1 record as a starter and an 8/1 TD/interception ratio during those starts.

So this was a good move by the Panthers and added a little football spice to a week that basketball will otherwise dominate -- here's my column on how much great hoops is going to go on in the Queen City this weekend.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

All the Panthers did was save moeny and protect themselves. Sure he gets a big raise, but the Panthers were unwilling to sign him for more then 1 year. all this does is save Jerrys money. Its not a sign that the Panthers are commited to him.

Anonymous said...

Just saving money, it means nothing for the long term. They need to be doing something for the long term. These writers really suck. They know nothing abouth football!!! Geez

Unknown said...

If there is no CBA agreed and no football in 2012, they won't need Matt Moore nor Jake Delhomme. That's why the one year tender.

Anonymous said...

I could be mistaken but I believe that a restricted free agent can only be offered a tender at this stage in the offseason and that a long term deal would have to be negotiated either during the season or next offseason (assuming there is no lockout)...Anyone know for sure?

MichaelProcton said...

Sure you can argue against his performance last season. He was playing against teams that weren't game-planning for him for a team whose season was already over. Much easier to win games with nothing to lose than when the playoffs are on the line.

Anonymous said...

He's actually 6-2 as a starter with a total of 11 TD's and 3 INT's.

MichaelProcton said...

In games that don't matter. Whoop-de-friggin' doo.

jdub said...

Proctor-you're always a downer. So you're saying that when Minnesota came this past year THEY had nothing to play for? Ever heard of home field advantage? And the Giants were still trying to make a playoff run. The Saints, well I'll give you that one, but Matt Moore was more efficient than Jake has been over the past 3 years or so. And I'm pretty sure that our team is BUILT to have a QB that only has to manage the game and be efficient. If Joke didn't have a 1-8 td/int ratio last year, we would've been in the playoffs, period.

And to those saying that these guys know nothing about football are just as dumb as they are implying. Why would they try something long term when NOBODY knows what's going to happen in 2012? That's not knowing football, it's called making a wise business decision. Maybe YOU are the ones that know nothing about football?

Anonymous said...

On any other team, a quarterback who is 7-3 in his young career would be lauded. Here, people keep wanting to replace him. I think this is because Fox talked badly of him for so long - people believe the talk - instead of what they should clearly be able to see on the field. He is good. He is an upgrade. He does not sling the ball around to be picked off. Fox should love that.

prestonsc said...

well said jdub....guess that took care of my comment...;-)

Anonymous said...

This is great news but the Panthers still need to use their 2nd round pick on a QB this year, especially if Tony Pike is still available. Enough of this "game management" nonsense. Teams in the NFL today need an elite QB to succeed. Maybe Moore is the answer but maybe he isn't....the Panthers need a young QB to compete with him for the starting job since Jake is done.