Panthers: Olsen contract negotiations spur bigger issues
Contract negotiations between Greg Olsen and the Carolina Panthers raise a series of serious questions…
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen has enjoyed a reemergence of his career in Charlotte with quarterback Cam Newton. After being selected by the Chicago Bears in the first-round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Olsen found his way to Carolina via a trade prior to the 2011 season.
The rest is history.
After amassing 1,073-yards receiving last year, Olsen became the first tight end in NFL history with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He has been the model of consistency and accumulated 16 touchdowns during that same span.
Currently, Olsen is under contract through the 2018 season but prior to training camp let it be known he prefers a new deal. Both Olsen and veteran linebacker Thomas Davis seeking extensions with Panthers former general manager Dave Gettleman have been connected to his abrupt departure.
Both denied having any type of influence on owner Jerry Richardson’s decision to part ways with Gettleman, but his interim replacement, Marty Hurney, is quickly reestablishing a rapport with the team. Davis was recently signed to an extension guaranteeing he remains a Panther for the duration of his career.
At 32-years of age, Olsen is also likely entering the final stage of his career and has undoubtedly out performed his current deal. However, being paid as a middle of the league player (Olsen is No. 12 in guaranteed money for his position) and being awarded a new contract based on production raises a series of important questions.
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The first being if players can hold out to gain leverage on progressing contract talks then teams should also be allowed to reduce contracts based on poor production. Not to say Olsen isn’t deserving of a new deal, he obviously is, but granting him more money based on his performance is risky.
Other issues center around aging players earning additional years at a high cost. Yes, both Olsen and Davis have increased their production and enjoyed their best seasons after 30-years old but both tend to be the exception.
At linebacker and after suffering multiple knee injuries, Davis is likely to retire when his new contract expires. Olsen, on the other hand has started 80 consecutive games for Carolina and seems to be building momentum as the years progress.
Future Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates is 37-years old and remains productive for the now Los Angeles Chargers. If Olsen has similar plans he’ll need an extension through at least the 2022 season.
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Ultimately, Olsen has publicly committed to playing out his current contract but expect him to be well compensated when the time arrives.