Panthers DT Kawann Short ‘not rushing’ talks about long-term deal

7:46 PM ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short is the first to admit he’s not a big talker.

But when Short, a 2015 Pro Bowl selection, spoke to reporters on Tuesday, he said two things that made a big statement about himself and first-round pick Vernon Butler.

First, Short isn’t worried about negotiations on a long-term deal that temporarily are on hold — with emphasis on temporarily.

Second, Short says Butler has a “bigger step” than Short did when he was a rookie in 2013.

That Short isn’t worried about negotiations as he enters the final year of his rookie contract isn’t a surprise. He consistently has said his focus is on improvement, not how much money he’s making or will make.

“If it happens, it happens, but we haven’t focused on that,” Short said of a new deal. “I’ve still got a lot I need to do. I’ve put myself in the position, but at the same time, I’m not where I want to be. We’re not rushing the issue.”

Odds are Short will get a long-term deal sometime between June and the start of the season. General manager Dave Gettleman has a history of signing key players after June 1.

Last year, he signed quarterback Cam Newton to a five-year, $103.8 million deal on June 2. …

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