It was only a matter of time before Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton got a long-term extension from the team. Both sides have agreed on a five-year deal that will keep him with Carolina through the 2020 season. He will make $103 million over the next five seasons, according to Ian Raappoport of NFL Network. Newton will earn $67.6 million in the first three years, which is the most money ever in a three-year period.
Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, is scheduled to make $14.67 million this season after the Panthers picked up their club option for his fifth year.
I think Newton is worth the money. He is the first quarterback in NFL history to start his career with at least 3,000 passing yards and at least 500 rushing yards. He's also helped the Panthers reach their first back-to-back playoff games in franchise history. Some will say that Newton shouldn't get this massive because he really hasn't won anything yet (just one playoff win), but he hasn't had a great supporting cast in his career. If the team got better talent around him, I think he has what it takes to win on a more consistent basis.
Now we wait to see what kind of deals Colts QB Andrew Luck and Seahawks QB Russell Wilson get. Both of their contracts should be worth more than Newton's.
