Ron Rivera's job description doesn't include dealing with contracts. But it's nearly impossible for the Carolina Panthers' coach not to know about mega deals across the league. The latest could eventually have a direct impact on the roster he gets from general manager Dave Gettleman.

The Eagles on Monday gave Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox a six-year extension that's reportedly worth as much as $103 million with $63 million guaranteed. $17.2 million per season is a good development if you're a Pro Bowl defensive end heading into a contract year like Kawann Short, but it's not so good if you're a team unwilling to blow past your budget like the Panthers.

Short's side, according to a source, is currently looking for an extension similar to the one Cox just landed. That's a decent distance from how high Gettleman is willing to go, a number that likely doesn't go much further than $15 million per season.

When asked about Cox' deal, Rivera on Tuesday admitted "it probably will" complicate negotiations between Short and the Panthers. But, he reminded:

"I stay in my lane. That way if a player comes and talks to me, I can honestly tell them, 'Hey, I really don't know what that number is, but I know this that and the other thing.'"

For his part, Short is staying silent. He declined to talk to reporters as he walked off the field after Tuesday's first minicamp practice.

"I was told not to," he said.

And who told him that?

"Me. At least not today, man."

Short's media silence follows his two-week absence from OTAs. He suddenly stopping showing to those voluntary workouts but returned Monday for the start of minicamp. If he hadn't, he could have been subjected to a $76,580 fine.

"I know it's mandatory," Rivera said. "I'm just glad he had to be here because he looked good out there and I think his teammates appreciated having him here."

Under a bright sun and with temperatures in the eighties, Short returned to his spot next to Star Lotulelei on the first-team defense. They were backed up by first-round pick Vernon Butler, Paul Soliai and Kyle Love.

Because Short is under contract, the Panthers can plan to use that rotation through at least 2016. After that? Thanks to the Eagles, it's now much more complicated.

"This is the hard part right now is what's going on in the league," Rivera said. "I think some of these contracts are unbelievable as far as what I'm seeing and hearing."