The cost of releasing quarterback Jake Delhomme, which now has been confirmed by ESPN's John Clayton, won’t be cheap for the Carolina Panthers.

As Andrew Brandt reported last season, the structure of Delhomme’s contract means the quarterback is guaranteed a $12.7 million payout if the Panthers didn’t exercise a couple of options. Apparently, they’re not doing that and they’re on the hook for $12.7 million.

Good thing there’s not a salary cap this year. Also, I think it's a safe bet that the Panthers asked Delhomme to retire and end things gracefully. But Delhomme is a competitor and apparently thinks he still can play.