Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has admitted that he will do more to avoid injury after signing a new contract.

The 26-year-old penned a new five-year deal worth a reported £67.6m earlier this week, and insisted that he may have to protect himself for the good of the team.

He told the Charlotte Observer: "Nothing about this contract changes my approach to the game. It's still going to be the person who's willing to win at all costs, but I have to understand what I mean to this team.

"We always have talks - coach [Ron] Rivera and I, as well as Mr [Dave] Gettleman - about playing smart and being smart when I'm on the field. And I feel like I've done a great job to this point and will be more mindful of the hits that I take when running, and make this process go smoothly."

Newton has thrown 82 touchdowns in four seasons.