4 things Cam Newton must do to secure a contract extension for 2022
By Dean Jones
What must Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton do in pursuit of securing a contract extension over the next seven games?
It appears as if the Carolina Panthers are ready to move forward with Cam Newton as their starter once again. The quarterback is getting the majority of first-team reps in practice this week in the hope he can get up to speed quickly, which could result in the 2015 NFL MVP manning things under center against the Washington Football Team and former head coach Ron Rivera.
This still feels like some lucid dream. Especially considering the manner in which Newton departed the organization when the new regime opted to go with Teddy Bridgewater instead.
Newton made an immediate impact on and off the field at the Arizona Cardinals. And his decision to come home has injected life into a franchise that was heading for yet another year languishing in mediocrity.
What comes next is already at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Sam Darnold’s fifth-year option is guaranteed at $18.58 million, so finding a trade partner for the beleaguered signal-caller is highly unlikely unless Carolina takes on a large portion of his salary.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Panthers are going to give Newton a chance to win the starting job in 2022. If it’s a smooth week of practice, then it will be a seven-game audition.
With this in mind, here are four things Newton must do in order to secure a longer-term commitment from the Panthers this offseason.