Cam Newton Signs With Panthers

Cam Newton will be making far less money than 2010 #1 overall pick Sam Bradford.

The Carolina Panthers announced Friday that Cam Newton is signed, sealed, and delivered.  The #1 overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft signed a four-year deal worth more than $22 million in fully guaranteed money. 

It's a good payday for Cam Newton, but it could've been much better.  Sam Bradford signed a six-year deal worth $78 million last year with $50 million in guaranteed money.  The new collective bargaining agreement sets a rookie wage scale for first-year players.  The huge dollars that were once going to top draft picks who hadn't played a down in the NFL, will now be going to veterans who have proven themselves in the professional ranks.  It's a smart move for the league, but bad news for this year's rookie class.