Carolina quarterback battle heats up with Clausen signing

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Reuters) - The Carolina Panthers signed quarterback Jimmy Clausen, their top draft pick earlier this year, setting the stage for a potential battle for the starting role on a team looking to return to the playoffs.

Terms of Clausen's deal were not announced but local media reported the quarterback signed a four-year contract that could be worth as much as $6.3 million.

Clausen, the 48th overall pick in April's NFL draft, likely will begin the season as the third quarterback but is expected to challenge for the starting job on a Panthers team that fell short of the playoffs last season after winning the division the year before.

Matt Moore likely will be the initial starter as the team released long-time starter Jake Delhomme in the off-season while Clausen and Hunter Cantwell battle for the back-up spot in training camp.

(Writing by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina; Editing by Frank Pingue)