Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman gave the strongest indication yet that he's willing to sit out offseason workouts if he doesn't have a long-term contract.

Appearing on NFL Network's "Total Access" Wednesday night, Norman chuckled before confirming he hasn't yet signed his franchise tag tender worth nearly $14 million.

The two sides have until July 15 to hammer out a deal, and according to a league source, they're still far apart. Assuming no one budges in the next few months, it's likely Norman will miss OTAs and minicamp.

"I can't report if I haven't signed anything," he said. "So I don't feel as if I'm at the point where I'm ready to get back working now."

Norman indicated that if he's not at Carolina's facilities, he'll work out with his Atlanta-based trainer. When asked if he'd be willing to hold out once training camp rolls around, he playfully tried to change the subject.

"I'm loving this sun out here (in L.A.)," Norman said with a smile. "This is really nice."

As stubborn as Norman is willing to be, Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman isn't one to blink during a stare down. That's exactly where all this appears headed.

"I know that he has a whole organization to worry about and other people that's behind me, and that's obviously in the thick of things right now in their contract situations. So there's a lot of things that go into play, and like I said, it's no disrespect to nobody," Norman said.

"It's just good business at the end of the day. I feel as if he has to do a job and I have to do my job and maintain myself and my discipline. I know I how I feel I am when it gets ready to go time and how I'm ready to go out there and play and put my body on the line and give everything I have."