The Panthers aren’t saying much about their timeline for trying to reach a deal with quarterback Cam Newton.
But they’re not worried about his mindset if a deal doesn’t get done this offseason.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he was confident Newton would be focused this season, regardless the status of contract talks.
“I think our quarterback is a smart, savvy young man, understands the dynamics of the game,” Rivera said, via Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer. “I think he’s the kind of guy who’s able to focus on certain aspects of the game and put things aside. Obviously, that’s a work in progress right now.”
Rivera still hopes they can reach a long-term deal with Newton before the start of the season. He’s currently working under the $14.7 million fifth-year option from his rookie deal.
“Personally, yes I would,” Rivera said, when asked if he’d prefer getting a deal done before the season. “But they have a timetable, both sides do I imagine. Both sides have a plan and hopefully we can all get everything worked out together.”
The Colts have already said they weren’t planning on doing a new deal for Andrew Luck this offseason, which means Newton and Russell Wilson could be playing chicken to see which quarterback blinks first.