As we wait for Cam Newton to put a signature on his imminent contract extension with the Panthers, it’s worth remembering how much money Carolina’s quarterback missed out on because of simple timing.Three months after Newton was the first pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement included a much-needed change to rookie contracts. Very simply, top ten picks had been making too much money in their first deals, and a rookie wage scale fixed that.Newton signed a four-year contract worth $22 million, including a $14.67 million fifth-year team option. The Panthers exercised that option last spring, so the total of Newton’s contract from 2011 through the upcoming 2015 season equals $36.67 million.That’s not chump change, but considering what No. 1 picks were getting previously, Newton took a big initial hit:

• 2007 — Raiders, QB JaMarcus Russell: six years, $68 million, $31.5 million guaranteed
• 2008 — Dolphins, OT Jake Long: five years, $58 million, $30 million guaranteed
• 2009 — Lions, QB Matthew Stafford: six years, $72 million, $41.7 million guaranteed
• 2010 — Rams, QB Sam Bradford: six years, $78 million, $50 million guaranteed
• 2011 — Panthers, QB Cam Newton: five years, $36.67 million*, $22 million guaranteed (*fifth-year option included)

Long made four Pro Bowls and Detroit gave Stafford an extension in 2013, so Russell and Bradford really stick out. Russell lasted just three seasons in Oakland where the Raiders ended up paying him just short of $40 million. Bradford is now in Philadelphia after an injury-filled five years in St. Louis.So what did the respective teams get for their money?

• Raiders: Russell ($39-$40 million) — 31 games, 4,083 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 175 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown
• Rams: Bradford ($65 million) – 49 games, 11,065 passing yards, 59 passing touchdowns, 38 interceptions, 244 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
• Panthers: Newton ($36.67 million) — 62 games, 14,426 passing yards, 82 passing touchdowns, 54 interceptions, 2,571 rushing yards, 33 rushing touchdowns + the upcoming 2015 season