Mike McCarn / Associated Press
The New England Patriots are reportedly taking very little risk when it comes to the one-year contract they signed with quarterback Cam Newton this week.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Newton will earn a base salary of $ 1.05 million and only $ 550,000 is guaranteed. Rapoport noted that most of Newton’s contract is made up of bonuses and incentives that could reach $ 7.5 million if it reaches them all.
Newton reportedly could win $ 700,000 in roster bonuses per game and another $ 5.75 million in possible incentives.
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe He noted that the Pats are committing less money for the quarterback position this season than any other NFL team:
Ben volin @ @BenVolin
Patriots 2020 QB salary cap numbers: Cam Newton $ 1,135m Brian Hoyer $ 1.05m Jarrett Stidham $ 834,028 J’Mar Smith $ 611,666 Brian Lewerke $ 610,833 Top 51: $ 3,021,528 Total: $ 4,244,027 Lowest QB spending in the NFL.
Although Newton was the Carolina Panthers’ most successful quarterback in franchise history, he was released this offseason after signing Teddy Bridgewater in free agency. Newton’s recent series of significant injuries likely influenced the decision.
Newton missed the last two games of the 2018 season with a shoulder injury that seemed to negatively affect his ability to throw the ball onto the field for much of the year. Then Newton missed all but two games last season with a foot injury that required surgery.
There are major question marks surrounding the 31-year-old’s ability to stay healthy and return to the level of MVP he once displayed, but it’s a bet worth playing for the Pats, especially at such a low price.
After 20 years with the organization, future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady released the Patriots in free agency this offseason to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That left the Pats with sophomore partner Jarrett Stidham and Officer Brian Hoyer in the center.
Newton is a three-time Pro Bowler and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2015 after shooting for 3,837 yards, 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions to accompany 636 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
The Panthers finished 15-1 that year and made it to the Super Bowl, but Newton has not been the same since then. He posted his career best QBR of 67.0 that year, but proceeded to post the three worst QBR marks of his career over the next three seasons.
Newton played just two games last season, but completed 56.2 percent of his passes without touchdowns and an interception and also ran five times for minus-2 yards. The sample size is small, but it is concerning, especially if it is not completely above the foot injury.
Brady thrived for many years in New England despite not being a foot fleet, but Newton’s ability to run is one of his greatest assets. It may not be as effective as it was before if that part of your game is significantly impeded
There is no guarantee that Newton will be the New England starter when the season starts, as Stidham will likely have every opportunity to win the starting job as well. But considering Newton’s roof and how little it cost to sign it, it was worth bringing.
.
