Former Carolina Panthers All-Pro tight end Greg Olsen is officially off the market. The 34-year-old officially ended his free agent tour and chose to sign with the Seattle Seahawks
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 13-year NFL veteran reportedly agreed to a one-year deal, worth $7 million in total value with $5.5 million guaranteed.
After nine seasons with the Panthers, Olsen ranks 3rd all-time in receptions, and receiving yards in franchise history. Last season, he was the fourth-most targeted player on the team with 52 passes thrown his way.
The Panthers and Olsen ‘mutually’ parted ways in late January, freeing up the veteran tight end to test the free agent market. He reportedly met with the Buffalo Bills, Seahawks, and Washington Redskins before making his final decision to join Russell Wilson and Co. in Seattle..
The 34-year-old (he turns 35 on March 11) revealed that the split with the Panthers was not as mutual as first reported.
He told WFZN that, “The ‘mutual parting’ might have been a little overblown. The reality is they weren’t going to bring me back at my current contract, my age, and the direction of the team. I understood it, but I didn’t force my way out of here. I told them if you want me back and I have a place on this roster come July, then that’s a whole different story.”
In the first weeks of 2020, the Panthers suffered another massive blow when seven-time All-Pro linebacker Luke Keuchely retired from football. And there are rumblings that the franchise may also move on from 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton as well.
Carolina rookie head coach Matt Rhule will likely look turn to the draft or free agency to address the hole left by Olsen’s departure.
Aside from entering into contract negotiations, Olsen lended his talents to the broadcast booth, announcing XFL games with FOX. It is unclear whether he plans to continue in the broadcast booth with his return to football.
Olsen originally entered the NFL as a first-round pick from the University of Miami (FL). He spent his first four professional seasons playing for the Chicago Bears, the team that drafted him. He was traded to Carolina during the 2011 offseason in exchange for a third-round pick.
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Nice article, William.