Ron Rivera: Contract won't be a distraction for Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera would prefer to see Cam Newton sign a new contract with the team before the start of the season, but insists it won't be a distraction for the quarterback if one fails to materialize by then.

Newton is due to make $14.7 million in 2015 after the Panthers picked up his fifth-year option. Carolina could opt to use the franchise tag on Newton next offseason, though Rivera hopes it can be avoided.

"Personally, yes I would," Rivera said when asked if he wants to see a long-term contract reached before the start of the season, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. "But they have a timetable, both sides do, I imagine. Both sides have a plan and hopefully we can all get everything worked out together."

Rivera doesn't see the contract situation becoming a distraction for Newton, even if he has to play out the final year of his rookie deal.

"I think our quarterback is a smart, savvy young man, understands the dynamics of the game," Rivera said. "I think he's the kind of guy who's able to focus on certain aspects of the game and put things aside. Obviously, that's a work in progress right now."

Rivera said he would like to see Newton work on his position-specific skills this upcoming season to become a more polished quarterback.

"I think he relies so much on his great athleticism that sometimes he's not as sound as he needs to be with his fundamentals," Rivera said. "Now as he continues to grow, I think that's the next step in being sound in everything he does."