Cam Newton is back with the Carolina Panthers after signing a deal on Thursday. And now, the 32-year-old quarterback is going to look to lead them into the playoffs and potentially further.

If Newton can lead the Panthers to a Super Bowl championship and win Super Bowl LVI MVP, that’s how he’ll make the full $10 million in his 1-year contract, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Newton has $4.5 million that is fully guaranteed and another $1.5 million is a roster bonus, so it’s likely that he’ll at least make $6 million still this season.

Newton had been a free agent since getting released by the New England Patriots at the end of August. He spent only 1 season with the Pats, starting 15 games for them in 2020. He passed for 2,657 yards, 8 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while also rushing for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Earlier in his career, Newton put up much bigger numbers while playing for the Panthers from 2011-19. He was named NFL MVP in 2015, the same year he led them to a 15-1 record in the regular season and an appearance in Super Bowl 50.

This year, Carolina was in need of a quarterback, as Sam Darnold has been struggling and is now going to miss some time due to a fracture in his right shoulder. P.J. Walker will start at QB for the Panthers on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, but it may not be long before Newton gets onto the field.

And if Newton can again lead Carolina on a deep postseason run, he’ll get paid big for it.