Cam Newton says Patriots contract is about respect, not money

Cam - cropped

Cam Newton said his contract with the New England Patriots is about respect and not money.

Newton, a former NFL MVP, will play for the Patriots in 2020 after signing a one-year deal following his Carolina Panthers release in March.

Newton's base salary this upcoming season will be worth just $1.05 million, with $500,000 in guaranteed money.

MORE: Why Newton's Pats have better chance to win Super Bowl than Brady's Bucs

If Newton reaches every incentive and per-game roster bonus, the 31-year-old quarterback could earn an additional $6.45 million. 

Amid talk about his salary, Newton — who is set to help fill the void left by Tom Brady in New England — used social media to respond.

"It's not a lot of things MONEY cannot buy, BUT amongst the top of that list of things, you would find RESPECT as one of those!!" Newton wrote on Instagram hours after his contract details became public

"THIS IS NOT ABOUT MONEY FOR ME; it’s about RESPECT."

Newton spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Panthers after he was chosen first overall in the 2011 NFL Draft — throwing for 29,041 yards, 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions.

He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the 2015 NFL MVP after leading the Panthers to a 15-1 record and an appearance in the Super Bowl before losing to the Denver Broncos.

The Panthers made the playoffs in four of Newton's nine seasons with the team.

MORE: Ron Rivera says don't bet against Cam Newton

However, in recent years, Newton has been hindered by injuries.

Newton battled a shoulder injury in 2018, with a once-promising campaign derailed as the Panthers lost seven of their last eight games to finish 7-9.

He played only two games in 2019, losing both, with a Lisfranc fracture forcing him to watch the rest of a 5-11 season from the sideline.

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