NFL insider breaks down Cam Newton's $10-million deal with Panthers
Months after Cam Newton was released by the New England Patriots, the former NFL MVP reunited with the Carolina Panthers on a one-year deal.
With the signing, Newton returns to Carolina, where he spent his entire career prior to a one-season stint with New England. On Saturday, ESPN NFL insider Field Yates broke down the financials of Newton’s one-year contract, which is laden with incentives.
It’s worth up to $10 million, if paid in full, but Newton would have to work miracles to check some of the boxes. The six potential bonuses are as follows: $2.25 million from his signing bonus, $2.25 million guaranteed in base salary, $187,500 in per game roster bonuses, $500,000 for each playoff win where Newton plays at least 50% of snaps ($1.5 million max), $1.5 million for a Super Bowl win where Newton plays at least 50% of snaps and $1 million for winning Super Bowl MVP.
Not only would Newton have to lead the Panthers to and through the NFL Playoffs, but he’d have to both win the Super Bowl and the Super Bowl MVP trophy in order to take home the full $10 million.
Cam Newton returning to the Carolina Panthers
Evidently, the Panthers are committing to Newton, their former star, for the rest of 2021. While Darnold was capable through the first three weeks of the season, the wheels have truly fallen off over recent weeks.
Moreover, Newton spent the first nine years of his NFL career in Charlotte after the Panthers used their No. 1 overall selection on the Auburn signal caller in 2011. He led the Panthers to three division titles, four playoff appearances and a Super Bowl appearance, and he was named NFL MVP in 2015.
In total, Newton started 124 of the 125 games in which he played for the Panthers and threw for 31,698 yards, 190 touchdowns and 118 interceptions. A true dual-threat quarterback, he also had 4,806 rushing yards and 58 scores on the ground.
This weekend, the Panthers have a tough test with the Arizona Cardinals. It remains to be seen if the team will go with backup P.J. Walker, or give Newton a shot against the top team in the NFC. While Newton may not get his shot this weekend, a juicy storyline is on the table for the following week. If Newton starts for the Panthers in their following game against the Washington Football Team, he’ll be going up against his former coach in Ron Rivera.