Cam Newton Says Myles Garrett’s $160 Million Deal Will Cost Him a Super Bowl Appearance
Cam Newton, the former NFL MVP and quarterback, has spoken out about Myles Garrett’s $160 million contract, stating that while Garrett’s record-breaking deal is well deserved, it may come at the cost of something far more elusive: a
“Myles Garrett is an incredible player, no question about it,” Newton said. “But that kind of contract comes with a price. With the cap space tied up in a player like him, it could limit the team’s ability to make the moves they need to get over the hump and reach a Super Bowl. You’ve got to make sure you’ve got the balance right.”
Garrett’s $160 million deal, one of the most lucrative contracts for a defensive player in NFL history, has made headlines as it solidifies him as one of the league’s most dominant forces on defense. However, Newton raised concerns about how the Browns would manage their roster and salary cap moving forward, particularly in terms of building a Super Bowl-caliber team around Garrett.
“Super Bowl teams aren’t built with one player taking up a huge chunk of your salary cap,” Newton continued. “It’s great for Garrett, but the real test will be whether the Browns can still bring in the talent they need on offense and in other key positions to compete at the highest level. A big contract like that can sometimes make it harder to build a complete roster.”
Newton, who experienced the highs and lows of building a competitive team during his career, emphasized that the key to winning a Super Bowl is not just about having star players, but also about having depth and a strong overall team dynamic.
“Look at the teams that have made it to the big game — they have a great quarterback, yes, but they also have great role players, depth, and the ability to make moves when it counts,” he said. “Can the Browns maintain that balance with Garrett’s deal? That’s the big question.”
Despite his concerns, Newton was careful to acknowledge Garrett’s talent and leadership on the field. “Myles Garrett is an absolute beast. No one can deny that,” Newton said. “But the question for Cleveland will be: Can they keep the right pieces around him to make that Super Bowl run?”
As the Browns prepare for the 2025 season, they will have to navigate the challenges of managing a high-value contract while continuing to build a competitive team. For now, Garrett remains the centerpiece of their defense, but the question remains whether the team can find the right balance to turn that talent into postseason success.
Yankees Urged to Sign Longtime AL East Catcher to Pair With Austin Wells
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Yankees linked to signing veteran catcher to pair with Austin Wells.
The New York Yankees could look to add some catching help this offseason.
New York’s catching duo is Austin Wells and Ben Rice, but Rice could be the long-term answer at first base. If Rice is indeed going to play at first, the Yankees will need to add another veteran.
Yankees insider Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com links New York to signing Danny Jansen of the Milwaukee Brewers. Jansen is a long-time member of the AL East with the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays.
“The veteran, right-handed hitting catcher is expected to be a free agent,” Caldera wrote. “Traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the Milwaukee Brewers at the July 31 MLB deadline, Jansen earned $8.5 million in 2025 and has a $12 million mutual option for 2026. Jansen, 30, has played with three AL East teams, mostly with Toronto, and the Yankees should be seeking a solid catching complement to the lefty-hitting Austin Wells.”
The option on Jansen is unlikely to be picked up, and the veteran will be one of the top catchers available. He’s a good hitter who’s also known for his defense and can split catching duties with Wells.
Last season, between the Rays and Brewers, Jansen hit .215 with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs. His career high is 17 home runs and 53 RBIs, which he did with the Blue Jays in 2023 in just 86 games.
Yankees Tried Rice at Catcher
Although New York has Wells and Rice under contract, adding a catcher makes a ton of sense.
With Paul Goldschmidt set to be a free agent, the path is open for Rice to be the starting first baseman. If that is the case, adding a catcher is a must.
Yet, last season, Yankees manager Aaron Boone did try Rice at catcher, who had mixed results. But it was a play to get his bat into the lineup. The Athletic’s Yankees reporter Chris Kirschner said that was the reason why Rice played catcher.
“There are two ways the Yankees can maximize Rice’s playing time. Start him at first base when there’s a right-handed pitcher on the mound, or increase his starts behind the plate to supplant the struggling Austin Wells,” Kirschner wrote. “As Wells’ offensive woes continue to pile up, the latter option is looking increasingly compelling.”
“At the beginning of the season, when Rice was mainly getting at-bats as the Yankees’ designated hitter and first baseman, catching coordinator Tanner Swanson said he believed Rice could start for at least a third of MLB teams. Behind the scenes, the Yankees were having Rice catch bullpens and slowly working him into lopsided games behind the plate. He’s now showing he could handle a bigger workload.”
So, with Goldschmidt likely leaving, Rice now has the path to be at first, leaving the backup catcher role open.
What Will Jansen Earn in Free Agency?
Jansen has a $12 million mutual option with the Brewers, which will likely be declined.
The veteran catcher should expect to earn around $8.5 million, which he signed for in 2025 with the Rays.
Jansen isn’t a true starting catcher, as he likely can start between 80-100 games and would be part of a tandem, which would bring his price down.
Yet, with the Yankees, he’s a perfect fit for them. Spotrac has his market value at $7.2 million, which seems on the lower end. Instead, he should get close to $8 million in free agency.
Jansen has appeared in 599 career games over eight seasons in the MLB.
