Cam Newton close to five year, $100 million extension from Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are on the verge of re-signing quarterback Cam Newton to a contract that would keep him in Carolina through the 2020 season, ESPN 730 first reported. The report has now been confirmed by several outlets, and Ian Rapoport has some details on the money involved.

Sources: The Cam Newton mega-extension being finalized with the #Panthers right now is expected to be 5 years, more than $100M.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 1, 2015

The $20 million per year mark has become the standard for any starting quarterback receiving an extension from his team -- although Ryan Tannehill's contract came in at something closer to $16 million per year. Newton's interesting because he has some obvious flaws, most notably his inconsistent accuracy, but makes up for it with outstanding skills in other areas.

I'm not too happy that the NFC South is filled with quality quarterbacks, but at least it looks like the Buccaneers have one too. And they have one advantage that these other teams don't: a cheap contract. Thanks to the 2011 CBA, Winston's playing on a four-year, $25 million contract -- and a built-in option for a fifth year, albeit at a much elevated price (the equivalent of a transition tag). The financial flexibility resulting from that fact should give the Bucs a leg up over the coming four seasons, provided Winston lives up to his draft status.

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