Greg Olsen has no shortage of job opportunities this year. Earlier this week, the New York Post reported that Olsen has offers from both ESPN and FOX for television analyst jobs. Olsen is still under contract for another two years with the Panthers though, where he can earn much more.
Coach Ron Rivera spoke with the media at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis today and there is a lot to unpack. First, he says the team won’t look for a quarterback in free agency. He also anticipates offensive tackle Matt Kalil will be back for 2019. Rivera also addressed the stories about Olsen. Apparently, Olsen has told him he wants to play.
Olsen has been in the NFL since the 2007 season, playing in 174 regular season games and nine more in the playoffs.
From 2014-2016 he was arguably the league’s most consistent and productive tight end, becoming the first player at his position to post three consecutive years with 1,000 or more receiving yards.
Foot injuries have slowed Olsen since that high-water mark, though. He’s missed half of the last two seasons and only managed a total of 482 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
If Olsen can get back to being the player he was a few years ago, it would be a very welcome development for Carolina’s offense. They have promising weapons at wide receiver, but they lack the size and familiarity that Olsen has after catching passes from Cam Newton for eight years.
Update:
Jason Witten has decided to end his illustrious broadcast career and return to football. The Cowboys have paid him $5 million to come out of retirement and play for them again.
Witten had been filling the coveted Monday Night Football gig for ESPN. If his role wasn’t already on the table for Olsen, it could be enough to convince him to retire after all.
