4 big decisions that backfired on the Panthers in 2020
By Dean Jones
Releasing Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen‘s time with the Carolina Panthers came to an end when he was released by the organization prior to free agency. The tight end played a significant role in the team’s success in recent years and he left a huge hole both on the field and within the locker room.
Despite the moans of displeasure from large sections of Carolina’s fanbase, the coaching staff appeared highly confident in the potential for Ian Thomas to step in and fill the void. The former fourth-round selection performed well deputizing for Olsen during his first two seasons and this represented a considerable opportunity to secure the long-term starting role.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have.
And if the Panthers knew then what they know now, they’d have thought twice about keeping Olsen around.
Thomas has been an afterthought in Carolina’s offense throughout the season. This could be down to the number of weapons at offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s disposal, but not having a reliable pass-catching presence over the middle has really hurt Teddy Bridgewater at times during the campaign.
If Thomas was looking to make his presence felt, he failed miserably.
This is a position that the Panthers will need to strengthen either in free agency or the 2021 NFL Draft. Keeping Olsen on the roster would have given them more stability and even enabled the veteran to finish out his illustrious career in Carolina.