While other quarterbacks have dragged their business from coast to coast this offseason, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton quietly got a big deal out of General Manager Dave Gettleman.
And it’s a good thing he did it when he did, because Gettleman wasn’t going to let it drag on.
The Panthers G.M. told Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review that he’s not prepared to negotiate for anyone once the season starts.
“I will not negotiate in-season. Once the regular season begins, that’s it,” Gettleman said.
Gettleman has done most of his big business, having locked up Newton and Thomas Davis this spring, along with tight end Greg Olsen.
Luke Kuechly is the next in line, but Gettleman saying he won’t discuss it during the season means his Pro Bowl linebacker will either be signed in the next seven weeks or not until the offseason.
They’ve already picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, which will pay him $11 million next year. But if they want to take it further than that, they’ve established a timeline.
Much like Newton, they’ve identified Kuechly as a foundation piece to build on, and they have no intention of letting him walk. Now it’s a matter of seeing how much they give him, and when.
