Cam Newton Contract: Latest Rumors and Speculation on Negotiations with Panthers

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton hasn't pressed to force the organization's hand at a contract extension, but both sides intend to strike an agreement on a lucrative deal this offseason.   

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport has the latest report regarding the status of negotiations on Thursday:

Newton has guided the Panthers to a 3-4-1 record this season, which is still good enough to lead the NFC South division entering Thursday's Week 9 showdown in Charlotte with the New Orleans Saints.

Coming off a 13-9 loss at home to Seattle last week, the 25-year-old star is forging forward amid a short week and a tough opponent on the horizon, via AL.com's Mark Inabinett:

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At the end of the day, this game is about one thing and that's about winning. We're looking forward to Thursday night. It's a short week. We understand that. But nobody cares about that. We've got to put a great product out there on the field on Thursday. And we will, and we're expecting to win this football game.

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Perhaps the most important elements of Newton's continual improvement are his intangibles. Newton has matured into more of a leader and someone capable of shouldering the responsibilities of his prestigious but pressure-packed job description.

Now it appears the Panthers are ready to reward Newton, as they should. There are few players, if any, at Newton's position with his combination of arm talent, size, athleticism and playmaking ability.

A 25th-ranked scoring defense, spotty pass protection, a lackluster running game and a dearth of receiving weapons have all worked against Newton in 2014, yet he's still showing signs of progress as a player.

Week 6 saw the Panthers play to a rare, 37-37 tie at Cincinnati, as Newton had his best game of the year. NFC Director of Football Communications Randall Liu highlighted how great Newton was:

Instead of venting frustration publicly, this year has seen Newton make zero excuses. That can only increase his leverage in the impending contract discussions, which should ultimately lead to a grand payday for the 2011 No. 1 overall draft pick.

Presuming Carolina takes the plunge and invests in him as the future face of the franchise, Newton shouldn't disappoint under better circumstances.