The Carolina Panthers officially released tight end Greg Olsen Monday. The two sides had previously come to a mutual agreement to part ways.
Olsen, 34, appears set to continue his NFL playing career despite broadcasting opportunities being lined up. He will meet with both the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins this week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Olsen could reunite with his former head coach of nine seasons in Carolina, Ron Rivera, who is the newly hired head coach of the Redskins.
Rivera has had an affection for former Panthers who he worked with, hiring several assistants to his coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Scott Turner and tight ends coach Pete Hoener.
Hoener was the Panthers’ tight end coach for all nine seasons Olsen was there.
The Redskins had an immediate need at tight end. Last season the team lost both of their top choices on the depth, Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis, to season-ending concussions. Davis has since announced his retirement. There has been doubts and speculation of Reed’s playing future after he suffered his seventh documented concussion in 2019.
Jeremy Sprinkle, who is more of a blocking tight end, was thrust into a lead role with Davis and Reed being out. Sprinkle was unable to give the Redskins quarterbacks — Case Keenum and Dwayne Haskins — the necessary safety net option most receiving tight ends are.
Sprinkle had 26 catches for 241 yards and one touchdown in 16 games. Olsen had 52 catches for 597 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games for Carolina.
