The Carolina Panthers not only wanted, but needed a starting quarterback really badly. And, boy, did it show.
On Thursday, the team brought back Cam Newton in a surprising turn of events and didn’t shy away from showing him the money either. Per NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Panthers’ one-year contract with the franchise icon can be worth up to $10 million.
Source: The #Panthers are giving QB Cam Newton a 1-year deal worth up to $10M for the rest of year…includes $4.5M fully guaranteed and $1.5M roster bonus.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2021
The $4.5 million guaranteed cash is a considerable step up from the $550,000 guarantee he earned from the New England Patriots in 2020. The maximum payout could also double his previous 2021 deal with New England, one that assured him $3.5 million upon signing with a $2-million bonus.
Carolina entered the day with the fourth-most salary cap space in the NFL at approximately $12.7 million. That chunk of change courtesy of the work from general manager Scott Fitterer, obviously, allowed them the flexibility to make the reunion possible.
Those readily available funds, as well as the unique opportunity, also helped the Panthers stand out to Newton as he searched for a new home.
According to team beat writer Sheena Quick, the former Most Valuable Player had previously turned down offers earlier in the season from the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks. Quick also noted that both sides initially sought out a multi-year agreement, with the Panthers reportedly wanting a two-year pact with Newton.
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