The Panthers are set to report to training camp tomorrow, and Greg Olsen will reportedly be among the attendants. According to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, the Pro Bowl tight end will not be holding out and is planning on reporting to Wofford College.
Olsen has been one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL over the past several years, and he recently became the only player at his position to post three consecutive 1,00o-yard seasons. Despite this production, the 32-year-old will be relatively underpaid, as he’s set to earn base salaries of $6.5MM over the next two seasons (along with a $10.35MM cap hit in 2017 and $9.75MM cap hit in 2018).
Olsen recently discussed his contract situation, and he didn’t reject the possibility of a hold out. Agent Drew Rosenhaus echoed this sentiment, but he cautioned that players shouldn’t “exercise” their “leverage” unless it’s necessary. The Panthers have seen plenty of front office turnover this offseason, but it sounds like the changes will have little impact on negotiations. Olsen made it clear that talks with former general manager Dave Gettleman were never contentious, although some tend to think that negotiations with interim general manager Marty Hurney may lead to a quick agreement.
The Panthers might be inclined to extend the tight end instead of reworking the final two years of his contract. This would provide the organization with additional control over the tight end’s upcoming cap hits, and it’d also let Olsen earn some extra cash.
Pay the man! He’s a young guy with a high ceiling! If he goes vegan they HAVE TO pay him.