Sunday’s game against the Saints will not only mean the end of the season for the Panthers. It could also represent the beginning of a new era, depending on what happens this offseason. Tight end Greg Olsen says he’s not sure if it will be his last game. He says there will be a lot of factors in that decision, per the Charlotte Observer.
Olsen is preparing for the possibility that he won’t suit up again, though. He told reporters today he’s bringing a lot of family for the game.
Olsen still has one year left on his contract and everything we’ve heard from him to this point is that he wants to return for one more season. However, it may not be up to him.
Cutting Olsen would save the Panthers $8.1 million in cap room for 2020. Whoever the new coach and assistant general manager are may decide that’s more valuable than keeping him around for another year.
Our best guess is that Olsen will return, but only if Cam Newton is still playing at quarterback. Moving on from Newton would mean the franchise is hitting the reset button. Until they find a proven starter at quarterback to replace him, there’s a good chance competing will be difficult. It doesn’t make much sense for Olsen to stick around for a lengthy rebuilding project.
If this is the end for Olsen, he’s had one of the best runs any tight end in the NFL ever has. To date, he’s caught 716 passes, totaling 8,432 yards and 59 touchdowns. Olsen was a three-time Pro Bowler and has a shot to make the Hall of Fame.
What comes after football is a quandary for many players, but not Olsen. He’s gotten rave reviews for his work as a TV analyst and should be an excellent candidate for one of the top network jobs.
