Cam Newton Money Per Game: A Detailed Look
When it comes to Cam Newton, the conversation often revolves around his on-field prowess. However, his financial compensation is a topic that deserves equal attention. Let’s delve into the details of Cam Newton’s money per game throughout his career.
Early Career and the Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton was drafted by the Carolina Panthers as the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. His rookie contract was worth $22.5 million over four years, which included a signing bonus of $14.5 million. This put his average annual salary at $5.625 million, and his average salary per game at approximately $1.4 million.
Newton’s first season was a success, as he won the NFL MVP award. However, his contract did not reflect his value on the field. In 2015, Newton signed a five-year extension worth $103 million, which included $61 million guaranteed. This raised his average annual salary to $20.6 million, and his average salary per game to around $2.6 million.
Free Agency and the New England Patriots
After the 2018 season, Newton became a free agent. He signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots worth $15 million, which included a $5 million signing bonus. This put his average annual salary at $15 million, and his average salary per game at $1.9 million.
Newton’s tenure with the Patriots was short-lived, as he was released after the 2019 season. However, his performance during his time with the Patriots was impressive, as he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance.
Return to the Panthers and the 2020 Season
After being released by the Patriots, Newton returned to the Carolina Panthers. He signed a one-year deal worth $1.5 million, which included a $1 million signing bonus. This put his average annual salary at $1.5 million, and his average salary per game at around $190,000.
Newton’s 2020 season was a rollercoaster, as he dealt with injuries and a lack of offensive support. Despite this, he still managed to throw for 3,528 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also rushing for 524 yards and four touchdowns.
2021 Season and Beyond
Newton signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the New Orleans Saints for the 2021 season. This put his average annual salary at $7.5 million, and his average salary per game at around $950,000.
Newton’s 2021 season has been a mixed bag, as he has dealt with injuries and a struggling offense. However, he has still managed to throw for 1,595 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also rushing for 322 yards and two touchdowns.
Comparison to Other NFL Quarterbacks
When comparing Cam Newton’s money per game to other NFL quarterbacks, it’s clear that he has been one of the highest-paid players in the league. Here’s a table comparing Newton’s average salary per game to some of his contemporaries:
| Quarterback | Average Salary Per Game |
|---|---|
| Cam Newton | $1.9 million |
| Tom Brady | $2.7 million |
| Aaron Rodgers | $2.5 million |
| Deshaun Watson | $2.1 million |
As you can see, Newton has been one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, despite his fluctuating performance and injuries.
Conclusion
Cam Newton’s money per game has been a topic of discussion throughout his career. From his early days with the Carolina Panthers to his time with the New England Patriots and now the New Orleans Saints, Newton has been one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. While his performance has been inconsistent, his financial compensation has remained a constant. As Newton continues his career, it will be interesting to see how his money per game compares to his on-field success.
