CHARLOTTE (AP) ó A year ago, Matt Moore was preparing to enter training camp as the Carolina Panthersí starting quarterback.
Now heís looking for a job.
Moore arrived at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday morning, but left less than 30 minutes later while fellow quarterbacks Cam Newton and Jimmy Clausen remained inside to go over the playbook with new quarterbacks coach Mike Shula. Even more telling for Mooreís future: He left the stadium without a playbook in hand, while other players departed periodically carrying a three-inch binder.
Moore, an unrestricted free agent, seemed very much resigned to the Panthers having no intention of re-signing him come Friday. The Panthers previously said theyíre considering bringing in a more experienced quarterback to mentor Newton and Clausen.
ěThe main goal right now is to have a job and get in there and get yours hands dirty and get to work,î Moore said of his future.
When asked what jersey number rookie Cam Newton will wear because Clausen is already No. 2, Moore laughed and said, ěHeís probably going to wear No. 3.î
Thatís the number Moore wore for the past four seasons with the Panthers, including last year when he entered training camp as the starter, only to be benched after two games. Moore later returned to a starting role, but then tore the labrum in his right shoulder against New Orleans and went on injured reserve.
Moore said he left the stadium Tuesday without talking to general manager Marty Hurney or any members of the coaching staff.
He said the purpose of his visit to the stadium was to get his shoulder checked out by the training staff, and Moore added itís fully healed.
ěSaid hello and goodbye,î Moore said.
Moore still feels he can be a starting quarterback somewhere in the league.
ěI think so given the right situation and the timing,î Moore said. ěA lot of things have to fall into place for that to happen, but yeah, I feel good. I feel like I can come in and compete.î
Moore said he spent time this offseason working out with Newton, the teamís No. 1 draft pick. Newton declined comment when he arrived at the stadium and as he left for a lunch break with running back Jonathan Stewart.
Clausen said heís eager to get going with the lockout over.
ěWeíre grinding right now,î Clausen said. ěWe have to get ready to go. Obviously weíre a little behind because there is a new coaching staff and a new playbook. We just have to keep grinding each and every day.î