The Carolina Panthers and TE Greg Olsen announced Thursday that they’ve mutually agreed to part ways.
Here’s a statement from Olsen:
“Today, I had the opportunity to sit down with (general manager) Marty Hurney and have a great conversation regarding my future with the organization. The team and I are both on the same page that it is best we go in different directions for now,” Olsen said. “On the field, I will always cherish the nine seasons we shared together. The wins, the losses, standing at midfield holding the Halas Trophy as NFC champs. The reality of going to the Super Bowl was beyond words, as was the disappointment of falling short.
“Off the field is where my family felt the warmest embrace. In 2012, upon the news breaking regarding the challenges our son would face, the entire Carolina community wrapped their arms around us in support. My wife Kara and I will be forever grateful for the love and prayers shared with us since that time.
“Regardless of what path we choose, I will always be a Carolina Panther.”
Panthers owner David Tepper also issued the following statement:
“Consistency is the word that comes to mind when I think about Greg. A leader, great teammate, unbelievable family man and true professional. Greg brought passion and an intense, detailed work ethic to the stadium every day. As the ‘Jersey’ guy on the team, it was good to get to know Greg over the past two years and he will be remembered as one the best Panthers to ever play here. Greg and Kara’s work in the community continues to positively impact so many families in our city and the Carolinas.”
While recent reports have said that Olsen has potential opportunities in television awaiting him once he’s done with his playing career, Olsen says he is not closing the door on anything regarding potential career options including playing football.
Olsen’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, tells Adam Schefter that his client “is still interested in playing and I will be in communication with other teams after the Super Bowl.”
The Panthers will be releasing Olsen in the coming weeks, considering that he still had one more year remaining on his current deal.
Olsen, 34, is a former first-round pick of the Bears back in 2007. He played four years for Chicago before he was traded to the Panthers in 2011.
Olsen was in the final year of a four-year, $27.75 million contract when he agreed to a two-year, $17 million back in 2018. He was set to make a base salary of $6.6 million for the 2020 season.
In 2019, Olsen appeared in 14 games for the Panthers and caught 52 passes for 597 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
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