Matt Moore described himself as “ecstatic” when the Carolina Panthers tendered him at the highest level, so it’s no surprise that he has decided to sign the one-year, $3.043 million contract.
“It’s a done deal,” agent Lynn Lashbrook told the Charlotte Observer. “He’s excited about getting started for next season. He did not want to wait around.”
It’s been expected since the Panthers tendered Moore that he would be the team’s starting quarterback in 2010, but his decision to sign the tender now -- rather than hold off and attempt to negotiate a long-term deal -- is a strong statement that Moore wants to get to work on 2010 right away.
“He wanted to send a message to the community and the team,” Lashbrook said. “I just think it’s a great win-win for both parties.”
Moore started five games for the Panthers in 2009, completing 85 of 138 passes for 1,053 yards, with eight touchdowns, two interceptions and a 98.5 passer rating. He was significantly more productive than the quarterback he’s replacing, Jake Delhomme, who completed 178 of 321 passes for 2,015 yards, with eight touchdowns, 18 interceptions and a 59.4 passer rating.
