The Cam Newton era is just about over in Carolina. Yesterday, we learned the team is allowing Newton’s reps to seek a trade, even though Cam says he never asked for it and is being forced out.
While it’s a shame the way that the Panthers mismanaged Newton these last few years and bungled his exit, we have to try to evaluate the Teddy Bridgewater signing on its own merits.
The deal won’t become official until 4:00 p.m. ET later today, but the parameters have been agreed to and now we have some more details, courtesy of Dan Graziano at ESPN.
- The contract is worth $63 million over three years
- The deal includes a $15 million signing bonus
- $40 million is guaranteed in the first two years
Here’s how it breaks down by year for his base salary:
2020: $8 million (fully guaranteed)
2021: $17 million (fully guaranteed)
2022: $20 million
There are also the usual workout and roster bonuses you see with every NFL contract.
Panthers fans have plenty of reason to feel upset about the way Newton was treated and Bridgewater is a step down at quarterback. However, this is a pretty reasonable contract for a solid starting QB in this era. Russell Wilson is currently leading the position with $35 million a year and will soon be surpassed by Patrick Mahomes, who will likely command at least $40 million per season.
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