National Football League

Panthers' Newton coy about extension, focused on Bengals

Published Oct. 8, 2014 7:11 p.m. ET

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- When Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton signed his new contract extension in early August, eyes immediately turned toward Cam Newton, who was drafted No. 1 overall the same year as Dalton, to gauge his reaction and see if a new deal was on the horizon.

And with the Panthers (3-2) traveling to 3-1 Cincinnati this weekend, questions have arisen once again from the media, who are wondering if Carolina is close -- or perhaps working behind the scenes -- to re-signing Newton.

However, one should know that while Dalton's contract has an announced value of six years and $115 million deal, it's really just a mid-level contract.

Only 17.7 percent of Dalton's contract includes guaranteed money, which, on the whole, sits near the bottom of the top-20 earners among starting quarterbacks.

So, while the numbers may look big, the reality may be somewhat harsh down the road.

Regarding his situation, Newton refuses to reveal any clues on whether negotiations are ongoing, or have yet to begin.

"I think contract talk is the last of my worries," Newton said on Wednesday. "I think I have my plate full with preparing for the Cincinnati Bengals, and we'll keep it at that."

The numbers between Sunday's quarterbacks are quite similar:

Dalton and Newton are just four yards apart in total yards passing, while Dalton has thrown 15 more touchdowns and seven more interceptions in the same amount of games.

On the flip side, Newton has rushed for roughly 1,600 additional yards and 17 more touchdowns.

In the bigger picture, Dalton has led the Bengals to the playoffs three straight seasons (2011-13), with the likelihood of a fourth postseason campaign in 2014. Newton has been to the playoffs just once, although both are winless in the postseason.

When the two square off this weekend, obviously Newton wants to win. But he also might have extra motivation to post a better individual performance than his AFC counterpart.

In order to do that, against a strong Cincinnati defense, Carolina may employ the no-huddle offense more than usual. At times this season, the no-huddle has helped the Panthers' anemic offense spring to life and put points on the scoreboard.

"The no-huddle package has been something that's been good to us," Newton said. "I've just got to find a way to sustain drives, especially when we get into the red zone."

Newton is very comfortable running the no-huddle, as that was primarily the only thing he ran collegiately at Florida and Auburn ... and his in-between stint at Blinn (Texas) Junior College, which ended with a national championship (2009).

"I am familiar with a few no-huddle situations and philosophies in my resume and it has done me great," he said. "I feel it just changes the tempo of the game.

"When people say 'no-huddle' ... it can be run as fast as possible. Also, it can be run on an edge of a defense so they can't huddle up or so that they can be dictated upon. ... If you're in a no-huddle, and you're playing fast, then the defense has to react to the offense."

Regardless of whether Newton and the Panthers are successful Sunday, the question about his contract will loom until something gets decided -- one way or another.

When asked if he would like to be with the Panthers long term, he responded, "I would like to finish Sunday and for the Carolina Panthers' record to be 4-2."

Newton never gives any hints.

Follow Brett Jensen on Twitter -- @BrettJensenFOX.