Why Olsen chose the Seahawks...

[Mr. Scot]

From Alaina Getzenberg in The Observer (link)

Quote

Why did you choose the Seahawks?

Greg: “I was really torn. I had a handful of really good options early in the process, we were blown away by the number of teams that contacted us, we took three visits with the three teams that showed the most serious interest, and that’s kind of how it played out till the end. We had three great options, obviously with coach (Ron) Rivera and his staff, the familiarity with what they’re doing in Washington. I think the world of (HC Sean) McDermott, (GM Brandon) Beane and those guys in Buffalo, they’ve got a great team.

“I just felt that Seattle’s been special, I just feel like their track record of consistency, we’ve seen it up close and personal here in Carolina at times and obviously Russell Wilson, he’s an elite, special guy at the quarterback position, and Pete Carroll, it’s just a really elite situation and they showed so much interest in me. It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

So there were other teams ("a handful" Olsen says) who actually contacted Greg but he only went so far as to set up visits with the three we knew about. Wonder how many total and who the others were.

Won't lie. The "track record of consistency" line stings a little. Nobody's describing us like that right now, for sure.

Also, one other note regarding the Seahawks and some front office personnel of interest...

 

[blackcat]

Obvious choice between those 3 if he wants a shot at a ring.  

[Tbe]

The track record thing is more of a shot at Ron. He turned Ron down for someone he thinks is better. I don’t blame him.

[NYPantherFan]

How different was his contract between what he signed for and what he had left here? I don't think it was that much.  With all this interest how did Hurney not try to trade him for a late pick?

[JawnyBlaze]

Yea, among those three the choice is obvious. The Bills are trending upward but not really ready to be competitors for the likely duration of the rest of Olsen’s career. The Redskins are trending downward, and the Seahawks are on the downslope but still competitors. 

[JawnyBlaze]

Just now, NYPantherFan said:

How different was his contract between what he signed for and what he had left here? I don't think it was that much.  With all this interest how did Hurney not try to trade him for a late pick?

If I recall correctly it was $12mil for this year if we kept him and I read $5mil and $7mil from the Seahawks. I’m guessing it’s 5 with incentives up to 7. So not a small difference. 

[stbugs]

12 minutes ago, JawnyBlaze said:

If I recall correctly it was $12mil for this year if we kept him and I read $5mil and $7mil from the Seahawks. I’m guessing it’s 5 with incentives up to 7. So not a small difference. 

That’s not right. The cap hit was that. His 2020 money was $8.3M ($3.7M was dead cap for only us) not much different than the $7M. Also, not incentives. He’s got $5.5M guaranteed. $7M total salary if he’s on the roster. 

[Ricky Spanish]

25 minutes ago, blackcat said:

Obvious choice between those 3 if he wants a shot at a ring.  

If he gets a ring, it puts him in the conversation for the HOF, and of those three teams Seattle has the best shot. 

[Mr. Scot]

6 minutes ago, stbugs said:

That’s not right. The cap hit was that. His 2020 money was $8.3M ($3.7M was dead cap for only us) not much different than the $7M. Also, not incentives. He’s got $5.5M guaranteed. $7M total salary if he’s on the roster. 

Kinda wish we'd stop giving out unrealistic contracts that lead to dead money, but then I remember who's in charge.

Here's hoping our new cap guy from the Steelers helps change that.

[MountaineerChemist10]

He made the right decision. He wants one last shot at a SB ring & already knows ain't gonna get with a rebuilding squad of Red Foreskins. Plus, I have a feeling Buffalo's about to have a down season in '20.

Thus, Seattle is the best choice.

[Brooklyn 3.0]

They have the best QB of the bunch, including you know who, so yeah ... Seattle all day for him.

[Johnny Rockets]

Patriots were one of the other teams but Greg mentioned during the SB broadcast he was their 3rd option with option #1 being getting Gronk back.  Got a feeling Greg might have went there had they shown more interest in him. 

[TheRed]

Can't blame the guy at all for looking to possibly go out with a ring. Olsen is a legitimate HOF TE. If not for the run of bad luck with the foot injury he would have had what, 4 consecutive years of one thousand+ yards receiving?

If that ring possibly happens with the Seahawks though? I wouldn't even be able to acknowledge it for a long time. That would sting too much as a Panthers fan.

Man we really need to get this right in 2020. Guys are talking so much about 2021 and this tanking poo, this is the year that is make or break. This is laying the foundation. We need a homerun out of this years draft.

[MickMixon'sMetaphors]

Assuming panthers aren’t in contention, I sure hope he gets a ring. Really rooting for him.