It’s no secret that the Bears are in the market for a tight end, and one of the game’s best just became available.
The Panthers and tight end Greg Olsen have mutually decided to part ways after nine seasons, the team announced Thursday. Olsen, a 13-year veteran, is still interested in playing football, and he’s open to exploring potential opportunities.
“At this time I have not closed the door on any potential career options,” Olsen said. “I still have the love of football in my heart and will explore all opportunities presented to me.”
Olsen’s agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he “will be in communication with other teams after the Super Bowl.”
Maybe one of those teams will be the Bears, who are surely targeting tight end as a priority this offseason. That, and Olsen started his career with the Bears. Olsen played four seasons in Chicago before being traded to Carolina for a third-round pick in 2011.
Looking back, it was one of the worst trades in Bears history, as Olsen went on to become a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time second team All-Pro with the Panthers.
But should the Bears target Olsen in free agency?
Ultimately, it doesn’t make much sense for the Bears. Olsen’s injury struggles and cap hit — which for 2020 was to be $11.675 million — might make that difficult.
Considering the other needs the Bears need to address this offseason, general manager Ryan Pace likely won’t shell out all of that money on a tight end with injury concerns when there are other options available in free agency and the NFL Draft.
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