The past few years haven't worked out ideally for Cam Newton. After numerous injuries, the 2015 NFL MVP was waived by the Carolina Panthers after the team couldn't find a trade partner in March, and Newton remained a free agent until the New England Patriots signed the quarterback on July 8.
But Newton's base salary isn't exactly indicative of a former MVP. In fact, as ESPN's The Undefeated pointed out Monday, the 31-year-old's base salary for 2020 ($1.05 million) is half of what the Raiders will be paying third-string quarterback Nathan Peterman ($2.13 million).
Newton's deal with New England reportedly is heavily incentive-based, and his $1.05 million salary could grow significantly depending on his playing time. The Patriots clearly wanted Newton to prove he's healthy and still can play at a QB1 level in the NFL.
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Peterman has drawn rave reviews from Raiders coach Jon Gruden, even though he's never played a down for the Silver and Black. He joined the Raiders' practice squad in Dec. 2018, and has been with the organization since.
The quarterback signed an original round tender with the Raiders in April, as he was a restricted free agent.
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The signal-caller explained why he's become so fond of the franchise back in Aug. 2019.
NFL
“Absolutely,” Peterman said. “Being here and being around the quarterback room, especially [Mike Glennon and Derek Carr] every day, with the amount of knowledge they have, has really helped me. That has been tremendous. [Offensive coordinator Greg Olson, senior offensive assistant Johnny Morton] and Coach Gruden have, too. This experience has been helpful for me, and helpful for my career.”
His battles with Mike Glennon for the backup quarterback job became a national story in 2019 during the Raiders' run on "Hard Knocks." Gruden ultimately chose to keep both QBs on the roster last season, but Glennon opted to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason. The Raiders did bring in former Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota in free agency, so Peterman once again will be resigned to a third-string role in 2020.
So for now, Newton and Peterman's game checks will be surprisingly different. But if Newton wins the starting job in New England as many assume he will, he'll end up making a lot more than 1.05 million for the Patriots this season.
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