Panthers GM on Cam Newton: 'He's developing at a solid rate'

The Carolina Panthers gave quarterback Cam Newton a five-year, $103.8-million contract extension in June, so it's pretty clear they feel Newton has the potential to deliver them a Super Bowl title.

Just don't expect general manager Dave Gettleman to heap praise on his fifth-year passer before the trophy is won. It's clear Gettleman and the Panthers believe Newton has a long way to go before he reaches the elite level of quarterback play.

The good news is they believe Newton is on his way to that level.

"He's developing at a solid rate. We're excited about having him. He just needs to continue to hone his game," Gettleman told ESPN's David Newton recently.

"He'll get better. It's like anything else, he'll get better. I get frustrated because everybody wants a guy to be great yesterday. It doesn't work like that. And oh, by the way, he's trying to do his job while people are trying to rip his lungs out. People don't want to get it. We gave him what we gave him because we believe very strongly in him."

Gettleman went on to say he believes Newton has the best wide receiver corps around him he's ever had and a "solid" group of running backs, two elements that will help him ascend to the next level.