Olsen clears protocol

TE Greg Olsen has inked a 1-year, $7 million deal with the Seahawks. He reportedly chose Seattle over Buffalo and Washington. Olsen turns 35 in March and has missed 18 games over the last 3 seasons. But the money here suggests the Seahawks are planning to make Olsen their lead TE in 2020. If he can stay healthy, it wouldn't be a shock to see him return to TE1 territory alongside QB Russell Wilson.

The Panthers and TE Greg Olsen announced that they're "mutually parting ways." Olsen has spent the past 9 seasons in Carolina. But he turns 35 in March and has missed 18 games over the last 3 years. Releasing Olsen will save the Panthers $8.1 million against the cap and leave TE Ian Thomas with a big opportunity to capture the starting job. We'll see if Olsen wants to continue his NFL career -- and then how much interest he garners on the open market. Fox Sports has said that they're ready to hire him as an analyst as soon as he retires.

Panthers TE Greg Olsen (concussion) put in a full week of practice and is set to return for Sunday’s game against the Colts. It’s possible that he cedes some work to TE Ian Thomas — and QB Will Grier adds more risk to Olsen’s outlook. Consider him more of a TE2 for Week 16.

Panthers TE Greg Olsen (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks. He returned to limited practices this week but remains in the protocol. That means another game as lead TE for Ian Thomas, who posted a 5-57-1 line on 10 targets with Olsen out last week. Thomas is a viable TE1 for Week 15.

Panthers TE Greg Olsen (concussion) was limited again on Thursday and remains in the concussion protocol, HC Ron Rivera said. We'll see how much progress he's able to make over the next 48 hours. Ian Thomas will be in the TE1 mix if Olsen misses Sunday's game against the Seahawks.