In the early days of OTAs, NFL Network's Albert Breer reported on Wednesday morning the full guarantees in the contract are $31 million with $60 guaranteed for injury only.

Even if those total numbers aren’t likely to be reached, that’s still a significant amount of money given to a quarterback that some would argue has not lived up to his number-one overall pick status. Luckily, as an analytics site, we have numbers to look at to judge Newton’s first four seasons in the league. You were going to make those judgements anyway, so let the numbers help.

The Story So Far

By our Adam Schefter reported Newton will make as much as $31 million this season, but $22.5 million of that will be in an upfront signing bonus that will spread out on the cap through 2019 for accounting purposes. The contract will actually save the Panthers over $1 million this season by avoiding price of the fifth-year option. Cap hits increase on the contract as the seasons progress, but never over $23.2 million and the overall salary cap is likely to grow at a faster pace than the money Newton is owed. And with just $30 million guaranteed, there could be plenty of wiggle room to adjust the commitment towards the end of the deal.

Going Forward

As is the case with many quarterbacks -- usually more than most like to admit -- the success of Newton will hinge on how the rest of the roster is built. Newton had a new top receiver during 2014 in Kelvin Benjamin, and will need to get used to a new number-two guy in Devin Funchess in 2015. That will also come behind an offensive line that is expected to feature Michael Oher at left tackle. That’s not preferable for any quarterback, let alone one sacked on 7.8 percent on his drop backs last season.

To this point, Newton has shown the ability to lead the team on his own when needed. That’s something to look for with all too used “franchise player” designation, and something that can’t be said about enough of the newly paid quarterbacks over the past few seasons. Think to yourself the last time you thought Cincinnati won a game because of Andy Dalton, or the Chiefs won a game because of Alex Smith. Then go watch Newton’s Week 9 game against the Bengals this past season and wonder if Carolina feels comfortable with their investment.

Newton has been much better in his career than many have given him credit for. Out of the new mid-tier of extended quarterbacks, Newton sits on the top of the list of players likely to live up to the deal.