CHARLOTTE -- Panthers' restricted free agent quarterback Matt Moore has decided to sign the team's one-year qualifying offer of $3.043 million, according to his representatives.
His agents have reviewed the offer and Moore, who has flown to Charlotte from his California home, is expected to sign the offer today or tomorrow.
"It's a done deal," said agent Lynn Lashbrook. "He's excited about getting started for next season. He did not want to wait around. He wanted to send a message to the community and the team. I just think it's a great win-win for both parties."
The news was first reported earlier this afternoon by The Oregonion.
The signing locks in Moore with the Panthers for the 2010 season. Carolina placed the highest possible restricted free agent tender on Moore last week to prevent other teams from pursuing him. It would've required teams to surrender first- and third-round picks if Moore signed an offer sheet the Panthers declined to match.
After tendering Moore last week, the Panthers released Jake Delhomme and declared that Moore was their starting quarterback. Moore was 4-1 in Carolina's late-season surge that resulted in an 8-8 finish. He took over as quarterback after Delhomme, who was 4-7, suffered a broken knuckle on the middle finger of his right (throwing) hand.
Moore threw eight touchdown passes and one interceptions in the final five games.
Lashbrook said Moore and the Panthers were "a good marriage."
"The Carolina Panthers have been a good match for him and he's been a good match for them," said Lashbrook. "It's an exciting time for (somebody who was an) undrafted free agent three years ago. As an agency, we're very excited."
