During the mid-2000s, Greg Olsen was considered to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL. However, as he's aged, he's become less effective and more injury prone. Over the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, he's played a total of only 16 games. He's been dealing with a nagging foot injury that has required two surgeries.

Even though Olsen could call it quits and retire, he's committed to returning. It was just three years ago that he made the pro bowl for the third year in a row.

He still has two years left on his contract. He had signed a two-year, $17.1 million extensions back in 2016 for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

Olsen told ESPN's David Newton that he's still recovering:

Article Continues Below
More Carolina Panthers News
One mystery player in the middle, Bryce Young, Alex Highsmith around him, Carolina Panthers logo in the background
1 obvious Carolina Panthers trade candidate entering 2025 training campEnzo Flojo ·
Justin Simmons, Panthers
1 perfect Panthers move to fill out roster before 2025 training campDouglas Fritz ·
image thumbnail
3 hottest Panthers takes coming out of 2025 minicampDouglas Fritz ·
Hunter Renfrow, Panthers
2 Panthers in danger of getting cut after 2025 minicampDouglas Fritz ·
Two mystery players in the middle, Bryce Young, coach Dave Canales around them, Carolina Panthers logo in the background
2 Carolina Panthers underrated sleepers who could break out in 2025 NFL seasonEnzo Flojo ·
image thumbnail
3 Panthers veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025Ben Strauss ·

“My plan right now, I’m in every day doing my foot rehab, trying to get this thing finally back to where I was used to. It seems like it’s been a long time since it was. Yeah, that’s what I’m preparing for and that all starts with getting my foot right.’’

Olsen, if he doesn't improve his health, will very likely transition to broadcasting. He auditioned for ESPN to replace Jon Gruden as the lead analyst for Monday Football. He didn't get the job and instead returned to play with the Panthers. However, if another position opens up, Olsen could call it quits and move on to television work,

Last season Olsen caught 27 passes for 291 yards and four touchdowns in nine games. In 2017, Olsen hardly played but seven games. He had 17 receptions for 191 yards and a touchdown.