Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said Cam Newton has proved he is a franchise quarterback. But Gettleman wouldn't say whether the Panthers would attempt to negotiate a long-term deal with Newton, the first pick of the 2011 draft, or pick up a fifth-year option on his current contract. "He proved it to me," Gettleman said Tuesday in his first public comments to the media since training camp. "He proved it this year. He flat proved it." Prior to the season, Gettleman said it was time for Newton to win after 6-10 and 7-9 seasons. Asked if the former Heisman Trophy winner was his franchise quarterback after Carolina made its first trip to the playoffs since 2008, Gettleman didn't hesitate to say yes. "No seven-second pause was there?" Gettleman said. "Yes, he is." Read more http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/1...rolina-panthers-franchise-quarterback-gm-says
