Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton joined the New England Patriots on a minimum one-year contract. While some fans applauded the signing, the deal was also criticized for being too cheap for a former NFL MVP.
ESPN reported Sunday that the Patriots and Newton worked on a $ 7.5 million contract with incentives. Without the incentives, the deal is only worth around $ 1.05 million, as it is the league’s minimum, according to ESPN. He will be in the mix to replace Patriots legend Tom Brady, who is now with him. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Newton comes from a series of injuries, including two shoulder surgeries in the past three seasons and a foot fracture that ended his 2019 season. He was the league MVP and led the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2015.
The 31-year-old quarterback’s signature was praised on social media by former teammates and other players from across the league. There are a few, including prominent ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, who seemed to believe the team is equipped to do another Super Bowl race with Newton.
However, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman disagreed with the fact that Newtown was paid significantly less than other quarterbacks with initial jobs, despite having a comparable or better resume.
“How many former league MVPs have had to sign for the minimum? (Ask for a friend). Just ridiculous. Transcendent talent and fewer talented QBs are getting 15 / 16m a year. Disgusting,” Sherman tweeted Monday.
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner also chimed in, calling the deal “ridiculous.”
“Cam is better than a lot of guys who make more money than him, I’m just saying I’ve been there and understand how the league works … now I hope Cam goes and proves the league is wrong !!” Warner tweeted.
Other quarterbacks with comparable resumes have received much more lucrative offers this offseason. Phillip Rivers, 38, signed a $ 25 million contract for a season to play for the Indianapolis Colts. Rivers has never taken his team beyond the AFC Championship. Nick Foles, after an exchange with the Chicago Bears, renegotiated the contract he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and obtained a deal worth up to $ 24 million over three years, of which $ 21 million is guaranteed. The former Super Bowl MVP, 31, was injured during several games last season and was replaced by a rookie quarterback. Another 31-year-old quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, agreed to an extension worth up to $ 118 million with the Tennessee Titans after a promising playoff career last season.
Newton, for now, seems excited about the move to Foxborough, Massachusetts.
“I’m excited because I don’t know at the moment,” he wrote on his Instagram story. “All praise to God.”
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