Panthers No. 88: 3 reasons why Carolina will miss Greg Olsen

How much will the Carolina Panthers miss prolific tight end Greg Olsen?

We are now 88 days from the Carolina Panthers taking to the field for the first competitive game under new head coach Matt Rhule. It promises to be a rollercoaster season for a revamped roster. And it is going to be extremely interesting to see just how they get on against some fierce opposition.

Continuing our countdown series ahead of the new campaign, we now turn our attention to No. 88. The Carolina Panthers haven’t allocated this particular number to anybody yet. And this has plenty to do with one of their most prolific players finding a new home this offseason.

Big things were expected of Greg Olsen when he arrived in Carolina from the Chicago Bears. And it’s safe to say he more than lived up to his billing. The player became one of the Panthers’ most productive offensive players in their short history and a favorite target of recently departed quarterback Cam Newton.

Few would begrudge Olsen the chance to finish his career on a team with more realistic ambitions of reaching the Super Bowl. The Seahawks are positioned far better than the Panthers at this particular point. And the player’s decision to leave also fitted in well in terms of giving younger roster members an opportunity to take a step up.

The franchise looks to be all-in on Ian Thomas and his possible rise to prominence in 2020. The former Indiana standout has shown glimpses of what he is capable of. But more will be needed this time around.

Here are three things that the Panthers will miss most about Greg Olsen.