There are many ways to look at the Cam Newton contract extension, depending on your perspective.
Perhaps his new five-year, $103.8 million deal (or more accurately, six years for $118.47 million) might be considered a bit much for a guy with one playoff win and a sub-.500 career record (30-31-1).
But the Panthers think there’s no question that second set of numbers is only going to get bigger, which will make the first set seem smaller.
“He’s gifted, he’s a worker, it’s important to him,” General Manager Dave Gettleman said, via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review. “That’s why we did this deal. We think he’ll take us to the promised land.”
Newton’s never lacked for confidence (though he sometimes has trouble expressing it) and said that he appreciates the mandate from his bosses.
“They’re not saying anything that I don’t feel about myself, and with them solidifying that, it puts more comfort in my heart,” he said. “Just to know that I have guys that’s on board, that’s willing to do anything to win, as well as myself.”
Of course, it’s a big step financially for the Panthers, who have skimped and saved the last two years in preparation for this deal, and now must continue to build around Newton. Comparing him to other quarterbacks with such deals, he doesn’t have nearly the amount of skill position help as quarterbacks such as Matt Ryan and others.
But Newton’s also a different kind of quarterback than Ryan or others, which is why the Panthers are happy to make the commitment.
“Who he is and what he is for us is exactly what we want,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “He’s getting paid this money not to be something he’s not. He’s being paid for what we believe he is, and that’s our franchise quarterback.”
Now he can begin the long process of earning it.
