Patriots quarterback Cam Newton has been electric through the first two games of the 2020 season. He’s thrown for 500+ yards, rushed for 100+ yards and has five touchdowns (one pass, four rush) to just one interception. Given his $1.05 million base salary this season, Newton is likely the biggest bargain in the NFL.
Newton, however, seems unconcerned by this. On Tuesday, he said that money “at this particular point in my career is not important” and that he is more concerned about respect, not dollars.
But make no mistake: if Newton keeps playing at a high level, he is going to get paid.
“For a guy like Cam Newton who has made $122 million, come on, I don’t think the guy is going to be out here crying poverty,” JR SportBrief said on CBS Sports Radio. “His money is going to come. I do hope that the Patriots – and this is difficult for me to say; I’ve hated the Patriots for 20 years now. But I want to see Cam Newton succeed. I would love to see Cam Newton get another opportunity at a Super Bowl. I’d love to see what he says. The guy loves football. I’m not mad at anybody that has passion for the game. He’s going to get paid.”
Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, spent nine seasons in Carolina. He was NFL MVP in 2015 and led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50, where they ultimately lost to Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Only 31, Newton could still have several productive seasons left in the tank.
“If he keeps this up, yeah, go the whole season. Make the Patriots pay you,” JR said. “Make [Jarrett] Stidham sit on the bench. Is he ready? Is Stidham going to put you in a better position to succeed than Cam Newton right now? I think the answer is no. If the answer was yes, if Bill Belichick thought the answer was yes, then Jarrett Stidham would be out there throwing passes – and he’s not. Cam Newton has the ball, and whether he’s out there running for 80 yards and two TDs or whether he’s running for 50, getting you two TDs and airing it out for 300, 400 yards, Cam Newton gives the Pats the best chance to win.”
And if the Patriots keep winning, they might have no other choice but to pay Newton.
“I think ultimately if he keeps this going – I know it’s only two games – but if he keeps this up, they’re going to have to pay this man,” JR said. “It’s real simple. Do the Patriots eventually need to extend Cam Newton? Is it too soon? I don’t think it’s too soon. I think the future is right in front of them. He’s already playing.”