Panthers, Cam Newton close to long-term contract extension
The Carolina Panthers and quarterback Cam Newton are close to a long-term contract extension likely to run through the 2020 season.
Newton is scheduled to earn $14.67 million this season after the club picked up his fifth-year option, The new deal could be done as early as Monday, according to multiple reports.
ESPN 730 radio in Charlotte — owner by former Panthers general manager Marty Hurney — reported that Newton’s new deal, based on the current market, is likely to be worth between $20 million and $21 million a year.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported the deal is expected to be five years worth more than $100 million.
The 26-year-old Newton, the first pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, has thrown for 14,426 yards, 82 touchdowns and 54 interceptions in his four-year career, leading the Panthers to the postseason each of the last two seasons. His overall record is 30-31-1 and 1-2 in the playoffs. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2011 and 2013.
