Drew Brees believes Cam Newton is worthy of the MVP
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees had high praise for fellow NFC South quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, saying that the Carolina Panthers star is “absolutely deserving of the MVP.”
Brees was on with the hosts of the NFL HQ show on NFL Network, and raved about Newton when asked whether the 26-year-old has played well enough to be named the MVP this season.
That’s high praise coming from one of the most dominated quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. Brees has never won the NFL MVP himself, but has twice been named the NFC MVP and AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Newton led the Panthers to a franchise-record 14–0 start before finally losing their first game of the season to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Newton has completed 58.5% of his passes this season for 3,544 yards, 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has also rushed for 626 yards and eight touchdowns.
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Newton will most likely be challenged by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, already a two-time NFL MVP, for the league’s top honor.
Brees also took time in the interview to make it clear that he expects to be back in New Orleans for the 2016 season, along with his coach Sean Payton.
The 37-year-old will likely have to restructure his contract if he hopes to stay with the team moving forward. His salary-cap figure will be $30 million in 2016, highest in the NFL. The Saints are already projected to exceed the league’s $150 million salary cap with just 41 players under contract for next season.