"That just happened."

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

My phone rang at 6:03 p.m. last evening. It was fellow staff writer Aaron Ziraks.

"That just happened," was his greeting.

"What?"

"The Browns signed Jake Delhomme."

In an effort to better comprehend that news, I decided to consume some beers and sleep on it. This morning, there is still a swell confusion and frustration in my head with and plenty more questions than answers.

Why Jake Delhomme?

Barry McBride of the Orange and Brown Report collected first reactions from fans and national media types. It wasn't pretty.

@mjretchless24 - Jake Delhomme is the answer to no ones problems. To put it bluntly, he sucks.

@thageniusz - I am overwhelmed with doubt

Peter King (SI): Browns paying Delhomme starter money, $7 million in '10 ... Is there a word I can use for this stronger than "insane?''… What I don't understand: Browns getting Jake instead of dealing with Andy Reid for one of Phil's QBs. Cleveland hasn't solved QB problem.

David Canter (Agent): Holy bat balls Jake Interception Delhomme will make 19mil this year. What is wrong with this picture?

Holy bat balls, indeed.

So why did the Browns sign Delhomme?

Delhomme is familiar with quarterbacking in a West Coast offense. Delhomme spent 1999-2002 in New Orleans where he learned the West Coast offense from then Saints offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy.

In 2003, Delhomme went to Carolina where in 2005 he led the Panthers to the Super Bowl. On Thursday, No Logo Needed asked, "What do the Browns see in Delhomme?"

Now that he's a member of the Browns, I'm still struggling with that question. In 2004, Delhomme had his best statistical season, passing for 3,886 yards, 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. In the Super Bowl season, he passed for 3,421 yards, 24 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Two seasons ago, Delhomme led the Panthers to a 12-4 record and NFC South Division title. He passed for 3,288 yards, 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, but it was all for naught after his performance in the playoff loss to Arizona 33-13.

Delhomme threw five interceptions and fumbled once in that game.

Yet for his career he's completed 59.2 percent of his passes. In his Pro Bowl season of 2005, he completed 60.2 percent.

"Time to start looking at the quarterback draft class," said Ziraks, during our Saturday night conversation. "The Browns are going to draft a quarterback."

Z's theory makes sense. Although Quinn is currently a member of the Browns, it appears as if Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert are washing their hands of the Anderson-Quinn era. Anderson was cut and the rumblings are Quinn is going to be traded.

Delhomme and Seneca Wallace are two veteran quarterbacks of a West Coast style offense. Holmgren likes to groom young quarterbacks and a Delhomme-Wallace duo could provide that leadership to a rookie quarterback.

In the coming days, No Logo Needed will dive into the quarterbacks in the 2010 NFL Draft. For now, we wait to officially hear the Browns take on bringing in Delhomme.

"I don't like that man. I must get to know him better."