CHARLOTTE, N. Jerry Rice Raiders Jersey .C. - Cam Newton said his focus is on getting back on the football field, not a new contract. The Panthers quarterback said Wednesday hes happy for San Franciscos Colin Kaepernick, who recently signed a six-year, $126 million contract. He even sent a congratulatory text message to Kaepernick, who beat Newton and the Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs 23-10 in January. The Panthers have talked about a long-term contract for Newton but no deal has been completed. "For me, thats the last thing thats on my mind," Newton said. Newton didnt practice Wednesday as he continues to rehab his left ankle following surgery in March, but spoke to the media inside the stadium afterward. He said he wants to participate in next weeks three-day minicamp, but isnt sure if hell be ready. Newton and Kaepernick are linked in many respects because they came out of college the same year. Newton was selected first overall in the NFL draft in 2011, but only this past year did he finally get the Panthers to the playoffs. Kaepernick was selected 35 picks behind Newton but has helped the 49ers reach the NFC championship game three straight seasons. "Two different people, two different organizations," Newton said. "I wish Colin the best. ... I reached out and told him he deserved it. To do what he has done up to this point, he deserves to get paid." Newton can make an argument he does too based on three impressive statistical seasons. He has started every game for the Panthers since coming into the league and thrown for 11,299 yards with 64 touchdown passes and 42 interceptions. Hes also run for 2,032 yards and 28 TDs. But while general manager Dave Gettleman said Newton has proven to him that hes a franchise quarterback, the salary cap strapped Panthers havent signed the former Heisman Trophy winner to a long-term deal. The Panthers did pick up the option on the fifth year of Newtons rookie contract, which means Newtons salary will jump from $3.3 million this year to $14.6 million in 2015. Newton has been working on an underwater treadmill in recent weeks, receiving ice and stem treatments for his left ankle. Hes also been throwing passes on the side during six of the teams last nine OTA practices. He said hes still experiences some pain in his ankle that reminds him hes not quite 100 per cent. The teams three-day minicamp begins Tuesday. "Physically Im coming along fine and Im on page right where I expected to be, but mentally Im bored," Newton said. Newton said hes spent the last seven weeks pouring over game film from last year and practice film from OTAs. He acknowledged that while the extra time in the film room has been beneficial, he said it has become "a little monotonous." When he returns to the field Newton will be looking to develop some chemistry with an overhauled corps or wide receivers. The Panthers cut ties with their top four wide receivers from last year, including Newtons go-to guy Steve Smith. The team added free agents Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant and Tiquan Underwood and drafted Kelvin Benjamin in the first round. While Newton wasnt ready to say this years group of receivers is better than last years, he did say they have a chip on their shoulders. "The elephant in the room has already been stated," Newton said. "Those guys have already accepted the challenge. You dont have to go in there and tell those guys, Hey, youre projected (to be) the sorriest receiver (group) in the NFL. We already know. "But with that, those guys already have that fire in their eyes. I would rather those guys be like that and for them to go out there and bust their tails like theyve been doing. Its kind of like a slap in —not only their face — but my face as well." ___ AP NFL website www.pro32.ap.org ___ Follow Steve Reed on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SteveReedAP Derek Carr Youth Jersey . LOUIS -- The St. Ronnie Lott Youth Jersey . The Flames are in the midst of a six-game slide (0-5-1), their longest losing streak since an 0-6-3 skid from Jan. 11-28, 2010. They havent won since Nov. 3 in Chicago and most recently went winless on a three-game homestand. http://www.shoptheraidersonline.com/Elite-Kenny-Stabler-Raiders-Jersey/ . The commissioners office said Friday that Sears tested positive for metabolites of Methandienone. Sears will be 23 in March. 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