NFL.com's Panthers Offseason Forecast

[jbland]

The term gets tossed around a lot so it wasn't just for you but to clarify the issue.

All good. And that should have read should've, not shouldn't. Damn autocorrect.

[tiger7_88]

Olsen is definitely not overrated.

 

Overpaid?  Yeah, I can buy that.

 

But overrated?  I don't see it.

[panthers55]

Olsen is definitely not overrated.

 

Overpaid?  Yeah, I can buy that.

 

But overrated?  I don't see it.

The thing is that until we find someone better, he is the best tight end we have and a key weapon on offense. So extending him is a priority to keep him around and lower his cap hit in 2014.  If we think we need someone better as a free agent or a draft pick, then pull the trigger and lets see what they can do.  Olsen isn't going to play for free and knows this is where he wants to be as much as we want him to stay. His high cap hit is a function of the team restructuring his contract the last 2 years not because he got a killer contract.  His 22 million, 4 year contract averages 5.5 million a year which is below the franchise tag for a tight end which is $6 million.  Not cheap but surely not expensive for what we are getting and how much he does for the team and the community.

Then again I wanted us to draft Olsen the year he came out and was thrilled when we got him for a 3rd rounder a few years later.  I knew he was wasting away in Chicago and could do better. I just wish he was more physical.  He doesn't seem to have fire like Smitty.  I still hope it rubs off and he comes back in the fall ready to complete some unfinished business.

[jarhead]

This...he makes me want to goddamn vomit, he impacts our run game very negatively. He is basically a slow WR with no wiggle who can't block for poo...Everyone wants to talk about how our OL can't run block, Olsen causes a giant pile up in the backfield when he gets raped on every play...try to run through that.

 

Well vomit then he was our leading receiver.

[Swaggasaurus]

Well vomit then he was our leading receiver.

Well then how many times did our RB and Greg get stuffed in the backfield. The game has more than one element, if you are going to be an effective tight end and get paid top tier then you need to at least perform well in every facet. He can't gain YAC and he can't block for his runners. It hurts us as a team.....just as much as his receptions help us.

[jarhead]

Well then how many times did our RB and Greg get stuffed in the backfield. The game has more than one element, if you are going to be an effective tight end and get paid top tier then you need to at least perform well in every facet. He can't gain YAC and he can't block for his runners. It hurts us as a team.....just as much as his receptions help us.

 

I did not say he was a do all TE at a high level but the fact is he is a very good receiver and we have others on the team that are accomplished  blockers.