NFL Rumors: Cam Newton and Carolina Panthers will Close in on a Long-Term Deal Today

The Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton are expected to close in on a long-term contract extension today, ESPN 730 in Charlotte, North Carolina reported.

According to talk show host, Marty Hurney, who used to be the general manager for the Panthers, the deal will keep 26-year-old Newton in Carolina through the 2020 season. The radio station believes that Newton will be offered at least $20 million per season, based on the current market.

Netwon, who was drafted first overall by the Panthers in 2011, is in the final year of his rookie contract. Since the Panthers exercised the fifth-year option on Newton's rookie deal last year, the quarterback is set to make $14,666,666 in this upcoming season.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection has an overall record of 30-31-1. He is 1-2 in the playoffs. According to the Charlotte Observer, Newton is the only player in NFL history to start his professional career with four consecutive seasons of at least 3,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards.

Frank Schwab with Yahoo! Sports broke down Newton's value. He wrote:

"Newton has been fantastic at times in his four NFL seasons, since the former Heisman Trophy winner was the No. 1 overall pick out of Auburn. He had one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history, throwing for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns and running for 706 yards with 14 scores on the ground. He shed the ridiculous "can't win" label in 2013 when he took the Panthers to a 12-4 record and an NFC South title. The Panthers repeated as division champs last year, although the division was historically bad and Newton's play backslid a little bit."

In his four-year career as a Panther, Newton has thrown for 82 touchdowns and 54 interceptions. In last season, Newton completed 262 passes for 3,127 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.