The Panthers felt it was time to part ways with Jake Delhomme after his injury and the rise of QB Mat Moore. (Chuck Burton / Associated Press)

Late last season, Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme sat with a broken knuckle and Matt Moore filled in for the 12-year veteran. Moore went 4-1 as the starter, and earlier this month the team released Delhomme, choosing to stick with the 25-year-old Moore.

At the NFL Annual Meeting earlier this week, Panthers coach John Fox told The Charlotte Observer it would have been unprecedented, not to mention uncomfortable for the rest of the team, to have his longtime starter suddenly backing up a relatively inexperienced QB:

“When you’ve been loyal to a guy for (seven) years and you’ve got to show support for the (new) guy who’s starting, it’s hard to remain in that situation after (seven) years of loyalty.”

Other news making its way Around the Web on Saturday:

• The Redskins could be in the market for a top-flight wide receiver, but offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan wouldn’t say whether or not the team has interest in Terrell Owens or Brandon Marshall. “Just have to wait and see,” he said. “Can’t share that with you.”

• Falcons coach Mike Smith says he doesn’t want Michael Turner to get overworked in 2010 after he suffered a severe high ankle sprain last season. Apparently, Turner is on board with the plan to reduce his carries, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

• The San Jose Mercury News reports that 49ers director of player personnel Trent Baalke put an end to the rumors that the 49ers are interested in trading for Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and endorsed Alex Smith as the team’s starting QB.

• Dwayne Jarrett‘s lack of productivity and Muhsin Muhammad‘s age have Carolina searching for a quality No.2 receiver. The position will be a top draft priority, according to the Charlotte Observer.

• New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas, a restricted free agent, is hoping to get a long-term deal done with the team, according to The Times-Picayune.

• According to The Plain Dealer, the Cleveland Browns will spend extra pre-draft time with QBs Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen.

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