The biggest piece of business Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman took care of this offseason was getting Cam Newton’s contract done.

With his quarterback committed to Carolina through 2020, Gettleman now wants to lock in linebacker Luke Kuechly, according to a league source. But for that to happen before 2016, it needs to be done in the next seven weeks.

“I will not negotiate in-season. Once the regular season begins, that’s it,” Gettleman said.

Even if Kuechly heads into Week 1 still under his rookie contract, his situation is much like Newton’s. Where his next deal will be isn’t a question. It’s just a matter of when it’ll get done.

When is also a mystery that’s never been cleared up as far as Gettleman’s contract is concerned.

His story is well known in Charlotte by now. It took 25 years before someone gave him a chance to call the shots. Since then, the Panthers are 19-12-1 in the regular season with a pair of playoff appearances.

Because his path took longer than most, Gettleman doesn’t spend time worried about a falling ax. Whether he continues to build a winner, or if it all goes wrong, this is the 64-year-old’s last job. Not surprisingly, though, he won’t reveal details of his agreement with owner Jerry Richardson.

“I don’t talk about contracts. Not for players, not for me.”

Ok, but a guy who waited so long to sit in the big chair has to have a sense of how long he’ll stay. Right?

“Who knows? Time will tell.”

As he dodged, Gettleman pointed to a window in his office at Bank of America Stadium and joked:

“I could go outside right now and get hit by lightning.”

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Monday’s Pre-Camping with Dave Gettleman Posting Schedule

8 a.m. — Cam Newton’s Offseason

10 a.m. — Negotiations

12 p.m. — Josh Norman

2 p.m. — Current Salary Cap Status

4 p.m. — 2016 Comp Picks

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