Who is on the Carolina Panthers’ second-tier Mount Rushmore?

Greg Olsen – Former Carolina Panthers TE

Another who deservedly retired as a member of the Carolina Panthers this offseason, Greg Olsen was the heart and soul of the organization during the 2010s and more than left his mark both on and off the field. The tight end is easily the best player at the position in franchise history and his presence was sorely missed during the 2020 campaign after the front office decided to let him walk in free agency.

Olsen spent one season with the Seattle Seahawks before eventually calling it a day and moving on to the FOX studios as an analyst, where he is sure to thrive. The three-time Pro Bowler was a trusted target of Cam Newton’s and there were few better sights than seeing both of them combine when they were at the peak of their powers.

Had Olsen not suffered two frustrating injury campaigns from 2017-18, then his stats would look even more impressive. He ended his stint in Carolina with 524 receptions, 6,463 receiving yards, and 39 touchdowns, bringing in 62.5 percent of balls thrown his way over nine years.

In addition to this, Olsen was a leading figure within the locker room and embraced the community to such an extent that the projects he set up will benefit those less fortunate for a considerable period of time to come.

Olsen was a one-off and another that the Panthers are having a job replacing. Letting him leave was a mistake in hindsight, but his place in franchise history is assured.