There has been plenty of speculation regarding Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen and his status for the 2019 NFL season. He has no doubt about his intentions for next season.

There is no question that Olsen has been in the final stretch of his career for the last few years. Regardless, he said during an appearance on WFNZ's Wilson & Parcell that he is committed to playing football next season:

“We did have a lot of conversations with a handful of different networks about some pretty interesting positions. And right now, at this time, it's not something that we're jumping at, but those conversations I don't ever think end,” said Olsen. “I've been very upfront with the team about my desire to play. I was very upfront with the team last year when I went up to ESPN and did the Monday Night audition. They understand where I'm at, I think they trust that I don't make decisions half-heartedly. I think they understand that if I'm in, I'm in, and if I'm not, I'm out. My mindset right now, unless something crazy happens, is I'm all-in on playing. I expect to go out and be able to play at a high level the way I'm used to. And I think if all things go the right way health-wise, that there's no reason I can't.”

Olsen has said all he can to make clear his desire to play next season. However, there are still some doubts about his plans due to his other prospects. The veteran has been linked to the opening for ESPN's Monday Night Football job; its looming vacancy has left some room for doubt.

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Fortunately, Greg Olsen seems to be adamant about contributing to the Panthers next season, and for good reason. It is no secret he has struggled to stay healthy after missing 16 games over the last two years due to injury. It appears he is out to prove he still has plenty left in the tank.

The Panthers will need all the help they can get as they try to kick things up a notch on offense next season. Head coach Ron Rivera has expressed his desire to surround quarterback Cam Newton with more firepower. Olsen can serve as a stabilizing factor for Newton as he once did.