Panthers: Former TE Greg Olsen signs deal with FOX Sports
By Dean Jones
Greg Olsen has secured a TV analyst deal with Fox Sports just weeks after departing the Carolina Panthers for the Seattle Seahawks in free agency.
Former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen has already made plans for the future despite his recent free agency move. The prolific veteran will spend next season with the Seattle Seahawks after signing a one-year, $7 million contract to get a more realistic chance of winning a Super Bowl. And nobody can begrudge him this given his contribution to the organization over the years.
This might be the final year that Olsen will take to an NFL field if his latest move is any indication. According to the New York Post, the player has signed a TV deal with Fox Sports to become their No. 2 NFL game analyst in the future.
The move is something that Olsen considered at the end of the 2019 season. But a big-money move and the potential to work with signal-caller Russell Wilson eventually proved too tempting to ignore.
Despite him turning down Fox’s initial offer, they remained steadfast in getting a deal done to secure Olsen’s service once he eventually announces his retirement. The three-time Pro Bowler is set to partner up with Kevin Burkhardt when he eventually calls it a day.
The Post added that even if Olsen decides to have a change of heart and carry on for another season in 2021, they would wait for him, per sources.
Will former Panthers star Greg Olsen be a good TV analyst?
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There is little doubt that Olsen will bring an incredible amount to TV screens. He is renowned for being a cerebral player that is highly knowledgeable regarding all areas of the game. The popular figure also has the right sort of charisma to become an on-screen personality, which is almost as important as the analysis itself.
Olsen is widely regarded as the Panthers’ greatest ever tight end. He formed an instant connection with quarterback Cam Newton following his arrival from the Chicago Bears. And the duo became one of the NFL’s most feared combinations.
A sensational nine-year stint with the Panthers saw Olsen secure 524 receptions, 6,463 receiving yards, 39 touchdowns, and 341 first downs. This also included a 62.5 percent success rate regarding balls thrown his way and a yards-per-reception average of 12.3.
Given the success that Olsen has had throughout his illustrious career. It would be a shock if he didn’t become an instant hit during the next stage of his journey.