A scheduling conflict kept me from this week’s league meetings, so, fortunately, the only big news from a Panthers’ perspective has involved comp picks.General manager Dave Gettleman was typically tight-lipped on Tuesday, not sharing anything all that new during his time with the media. But let’s run through the highlights, per reports from ESPN’s David Newton, the Charlotte Observer’s Joe Person and Panthers writer Bryan Strickland:

Luke Kuechly isn’t going anywhere

Yup, this has been a no-brainer, just like it was when the Panthers picked up Cam Newton’s fifth-year option last summer. Kuechly could still get a long-term deal before or after the fifth-year option deadline on May 3, but it’s much more likely he’ll go through 2015 under his rookie contract. The Panthers owe Kuechly just about $4 million next season, and that number would rise to about $7.5 million if he plays in 2016 with the fifth-year option. It’s an example of the enormous leverage the latest CBA gave teams over their first-round picks. The Panthers can get two more seasons from one of the NFL’s best defensive players for just $11.5 million. With that said, at $7.5 million, Kuechly wouldn’t even be one of the top three highest-paid inside linebackers, so there’s a good chance Carolina will lock him in long term before the 2016 season.

Cam Newton’s contract extension remains a matter of when

Even though he hasn’t gotten a second contract, Newton won’t be making peanuts next year. In terms of cash, his $14.67 million salary is ninth-highest among quarterbacks, just behind Peyton Manning. That’s a fair number for both Newton and the Panthers, which is one of the reasons neither side is in a huge rush to get something done. Odds are still higher that the offseason will come and go without Newton getting a long-term deal, but that’s also because he’s willing to bet on himself. If Newton rolls the dice and lands on a long playoff run, he could stand to make much more than he would by signing something right now. Plus, if Newton’s waiting for others, Russell Wilson may get a new contract soon, but the Colts would be silly to take Andrew Luck off his rookie deal.

Thomas Davis’ contract extension remains a matter of when

Even if this summer doesn’t include new contracts for Newton and Kuechly, Gettleman has been planning to get some work done for 2016 and beyond. He already took care of Greg Olsen with a three-year extension, and there’s little doubt one is coming for Davis, who currently has a cap number of $9.9 million. The NFL’s Man of the Year turned 32 on Sunday, but as he said in January: “I lost two and a half years to injury, but I also feel like I gained two and a half years … I still feel like I have a lot of football left in me.”

Gettleman on Davis: “He is a core player for us, and we have great confidence in him medically, as well.”

Michael Oher was signed to play left tackle

When the Panthers picked up Oher, the plan became: Go into the season with him at left tackle unless one of the draft’s top tackles falls to No. 25. Oher isn’t a sure fix, but the Panthers are banking that his reunion with offensive line coach John Matsko can revitalize his career.

Gettleman on Oher: “There’s a real bond there. He completely trusts John.”

The shop isn’t closed

Receiver Greg Jennings and cornerback Alan Ball came and went last week without signing contracts, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of the equation. Gettleman is a patient negotiator, and he won’t overpay, especially in the later waves of free agency. Since the league is essentially hanging out at the Arizona Biltmore until Wednesday, nearly all potential deals were put on hold until later this week. Jennings and Ball would be nice additions, and the Panthers could still get one or both, but neither are make or breaks.

Gettleman: “We’re not finished. We’re still kind of futzing with a couple of guys. We’ll see what happens.”