Panthers: What does Greg Olsen think of Cam Newton’s deal?

Greg Olsen thinks the New England Patriots are getting an all-time great deal with former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

Former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen was clearly taken back when he discovered the deal Cam Newton received with the New England Patriots. The 2015 NFL MVP ended three months on the free-agent scrapheap by signing a one-year deal that is worth just $550,000 in guaranteed money.

This might end up being worth $7.5 million to Newton if he reaches all objectives. But there is plenty of work to do before the man who transformed the Panthers ends up getting this figure.

Newton has earned $121.39 million during his career. So money was the last thing on his mind. The signal-caller wanted another shot at making a starting job his own in the NFL. And the Patriots are arguably the best fit for the player to be on the field week one.

His prolific partnership with Olsen in Carolina was one of the hallmarks of their success. And the new Seattle Seahawks tight end could not hide his shock when he discussed the size of Newton’s contract on ESPN’s debate show ‘First Take’ this week.

"“My head popped off when I saw how much he signed for. It’s the all-time greatest deal. He is not a different person than he was in that MVP year. He’s had a couple injuries, a couple down seasons. I understand what that’s like. I’ve been there myself. I couldn’t be happier for him. New England is going to find out pretty quick just what a special competitor he is. He’s going to be just fine. The things that Cam does so well are pretty much that whole ‘Patriot Way’ of, ‘everything is about winning’. Cam is going to check all of those boxes. So, I don’t think they’re going to have any issues on that front.”"

What comes next for former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton?

The Patriots are undoubtedly getting a bargain if Newton can make a return to full health. He certainly looks the part in his social media posts. But putting that together during an in-game situation is another matter entirely.

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He will need to get up to speed in New England quickly to beat out Jarrett Stidham to the starting role. Bill Belichick is clearly a fan of his fourth-round pick last year. And he will already be fully aware of what is expected from a scheme perspective.

Newton is by far the better option of the two. And it would be a bombshell if he didn’t assume the No. 1 spot at some stage.

He is chomping at the bit to prove that the Panthers gave up on his talent too soon. And the way the organization handled his departure has only increased the chip on his shoulder.

Losing so many seasoned veterans was always something under consideration whenever a rebuild of this magnitude takes place. Olsen deserves a chance to end his career with a contender. But Newton’s hopes of a deep postseason run with the Patriots appear less certain.

The Panthers were well within their right to move on. But this will bring its own pressure on Teddy Bridgewater and tight end Ian Thomas to produce the goods when it matters most.