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Panthers: TE Greg Olsen Signs New Deal

By Nick Yon

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball as Rafael Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the second half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball as Rafael Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the second half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Greg Olsen signed a new contract extension  with the Carolina Panthers and that brings clarity to a shifting organization and may shake up the draft board.

After some scares that Greg Olsen could be leaving for the broadcasting booth, the Carolina Panthers’ put to rest any fears on Thursday. According to a Bleacher Report article, Olsen signed a 2 year $17.1 million extension that aims at giving him long-term security.

If Olsen is able to hit on some of the incentives in his deal, he could be the highest-paid player at the tight end position. Coming on what promises to be an exciting draft day, this move shakes up some significant things for the Carolina Panthers

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Draft Board

This extension could shake up the draft board of the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have been mocked by many an analyst to take a replacement for Mr. Reliable as high as the first or second round in this upcoming draft. This extension relieves that need and could even warrant not taking a TE in what is considered an extremely weak class at the position.

This means that the Panthers can focus their draft capital on offensive depth or the secondary. The Panthers have been linked to Calvin Ridley, Sony Michel, and Jaire Alexander to fill these needs. Click on their names for a profile of each player.

Higher Offensive Role

Additionally, higher paid players generally are more critical parts of the team. With Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner at the helm, Olsen could see an uptick in usage this year. In a system that likes to rely upon powerful runs and athletically dominant tight ends in the end zone, Olsen’s size and hands could prove critical in a new offensive system.

Next: Panthers NFL Draft: Offense or Defense?

In another critical offseason for the Panthers, Olsen proves to be a cornerstone. His leadership on and off the field has been vital in the cultivation of a culture that continues to strive for it’s first Super Bowl victory.

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