Rivera: Fletcher Cox's deal 'probably will complicate' re-signing Kawann Short

The Carolina Panthers' attempt to re-sign defensive tackle Kawann Short to a long-term extension appeared to hit another roadblock Monday, when the Philadelphia Eagles signed Fletcher Cox - a player of similar age and talent to Short - to a blockbuster contract.

Head coach Ron Rivera said on Tuesday that he doesn't like to play a major part in negotiations for player contracts, but admitted that Cox's six-year, $103-million contract extension will likely affect the Panthers' continued negotiations with Short.

"(Somebody said) it's going to complicate things, and it probably will," Rivera said, according to David Newton of ESPN. "So we'll see how things unfold."

Short, who reported for the Panthers' mandatory three-day minicamp, had stayed away from the team for a portion of OTAs in order to send a message at his displeasure over the current state of negotiations.

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

While Cox and Short played slightly different roles for their respective teams, their production in 2015 was similar. Cox racked up 71 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles, while Short had 55 total tackles, 11 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Both players were selected to the Pro Bowl and named an All-Pro last season.