Everyone wanted to get this done before training camp

A couple hours after the Carolina Panthers signed quarterback Cam Newton to a five-year, $103.8 million extension, general manager Dave Gettleman explained the deal came together in a span of 11 days. Even though they had worked on it for months, the desire to get something done this summer helped accelerate the process the last couple weeks.The Panthers and Newton have faced plenty of questions about his long-term future the last couple years, and those would have only intensified if Newton played 2015 under his fifth-year option. Getting the deal done took away what could have potentially been a big distraction.

Gettleman: “I’ve seen teams negotiate with players in season, and more often than not, it’s not good.”

Newton: “I think you guys were making more of a big deal of it than I was, but with me inking everything and finalizing everything, it just makes this whole process easier for me. Knowing that I don’t have to go into training camp having to answer these type questions or going into the season having to answer these questions.”

Ron Rivera: “The focus obviously once you get to training camp, and as the season starts, is really on winning football games. That’s one of the things this really does for us. The decision to get this done now and not worry about it, and be able to focus on some other things is really important.”

This doesn’t change much

When asked if the added money would bring added pressure, Newton quickly replied, “I think playing the quarterback position in the NFL is enough pressure as it is.” And really, Newton’s played his entire career with criticism awaiting him before and after every step he’s made.From the team side, it’s not like the deal will completely tie their hands going forward. This, and upcoming deals with linebacker Luke Kuechly and other young talent on the roster, is why Gettleman has made many unpopular decisions since he arrived.

Newton: “Nothing about this contract changes my approach to this game. I’m still going to be the person that’s going to win at all costs.”

Rivera: “Who he is and what he is for us is exactly what we want. He’s getting paid this money not to be something he’s not. He’s being paid for what we believe he is, and that’s our franchise quarterback.”

Gettleman: “The biggest thing it does for us, it gives us a fixed cost, and you know what you’re dealing with. We’ve been very intentional and thoughtful about how we’ve been spending our money, and we’ll continue to do that. We’ve been planning for this. I told you guys when I first walked in the door, after my seven-second pregnant pause, that I felt he was a franchise quarterback. Nothing changed.”

The Panthers firmly believe Newton can win them a Super Bowl

This isn’t a new sentiment, but it’s one of the most important points to remember when thinking of Newton as one of the top-paid players in the NFL. He still has much to improve on — he and the front office will admit that — but Newton has elite skills. When you have a guy like that, you don’t let him go.The Panthers paid the going rate for a franchise quarterback. He’s not yet one of the best five players at his position, but he has the potential to bring a Super Bowl to Carolina.

Gettleman: “He’s gifted, he’s a worker, it’s important to him. That’s why we did this deal. We think he’ll take us to the promised land.”

Rivera: “We expect him to continue to be that guy on the football field that guys rally behind. And I’m like Dave, I’m very confident in his ability, and I’m very confident in the fact that we believe he’s going to take us to, as Dave said, the promised land.”

Newton: “They’re not saying anything that I don’t feel about myself, and with them solidifying that, it puts more comfort in my heart. Just to know that I have guys that’s on board, that’s willing to do anything to win, as well as myself.”