While we consider how the Carolina Panthers will sort out their depth at quarterback, the front office will attempt to sign second-round pick Jimmy Clausen to his rookie deal. These situations are obviously related, as a potential franchise QB needs to be compensated better than a typical second-round pick. That's one idea at least, and it was examined by Panthers blog Cat Scratch Reader [Ed. note: LOVE the blog name] on June 24. Darin Gantt of the Charlotte Observer wrote Thursday that any delay in Clausen's deal will keep him away from camp, thus putting a monkey wrench in his plans to compete for the starting job. Neither Clausen's agent nor the Panthers would comment on the progress of the talks. For his part, ESPN's John Clayton doesn't see these negotiations dragging on for too long: