Panthers Exercise QB Cam Newton’s Fifth-Year Option

Albert Breer of the NFL Network reports that the Panthers have exercised QB Cam Newton‘s fifth-year option.

This should come as no surprise given that Newton is clearly in the discussion for the best young quarterback in the game.

Newton’s fifth-year option will run the Panthers $14.666 million for the 2015 season, but it’s only guaranteed for injury. The two sides are expected to work on a long-term deal in the coming months that could negate this salary.

Given the recent contracts handed out to quarterbacks, it’s conceivable that Newton could be in line for as much as $20 million annually. The Panthers could hold off and see what Colin Kaepernick gets from the 49ers before addressing Newton, considering that he is probably a better comparison to Newton’s value than Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan.

Newton, 24, is coming off of a solid 2013 season in which he completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 3,379 yards, a career high 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also contributed another 585 yards rushing and six touchdowns on the ground.

Pro Football Focus rated Newton as the No. 15 quarterback in the league last season.