Quarterback Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers have agreed to a five-year, $103.8 million extension, according to Fox Sports NFL Insider Mike Garafolo.
Cam Newton's deal has been finalized: 5-year extension worth $103.8 million, source says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 2, 2015
Per Spotrac salary numbers, Newton becomes the sixth-highest paid quarterback in the NFL, trailing Jay Cutler, Joe Flacco, Colin Kaepernick, Aaron Rodgers and Tony Romo.
Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, has thrown for 14,426 yards and 82 touchdowns compared to 54 interceptions. He’s added 2,571 yards and 33 scores on the ground, leading the Panthers to a pair of playoff appearances.
The Auburn product earned the 2011 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and he was named to a pair of Pro Bowls (2011 and 2013).
Let me spare you the time you may have spent reading any content with a headline like "Does Cam Newton deserve this contract?": Yes.
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) June 2, 2015
Injuries—both on and off the field—have plagued Newton’s career, yet the 6-foot-6 gunslinger has only missed two games. Considering that one absence resulted from a terribly scary car accident, there’s little reason to suggest Newton has a history of lingering problems that will affect his ability to play out a hefty contract.
The Panthers added wide receiver Devin Funchess during the 2015 NFL draft, giving Newton another weapon and relieving some of the pressure on Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen. Consequently, Newton should enjoy another solid season and potential playoff run in a weak NFC South.
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