Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen has all but accepted that he has taken his final steps as a member of the team he has spent the last nine years with. Olsen had a lot of family on hand for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, and the team recognized his accomplishments with the franchise during the final moments of the game.

“I just think sometimes the writing’s on the wall,” Olsen said, via Joe Person of TheAthletic.com. “There hasn’t been anything officially. But I wanted to make sure if that was my last time that I made sure I told the people that I needed to how much they meant on my career, and how much I enjoyed playing with these guys and playing [for] these coaches.”

Olsen has been one of the best players in franchise history, but injuries and age have hurt some of his production in the last few years. The team can clear $8.1 million in cap space if the team cuts or trades him this offseason. The Panthers game against the Saints wasn't good on the field, but the tight end said he spent a little extra time to enjoy the moments with his family and teammates.

“Obviously, the game was a disaster. But I really just told myself coming in, just try to appreciate it as much of it as you can,” Olsen said. “Enjoy the pregame with the kids. Enjoy being with the guys, if it is the last time. Enjoy the ride over here with the guys in the car. Those little traditions that we’ve established over the years, just enjoy them because you never know when that ends. I don’t know if that is the end now. But if it is, I know I went out the way I wanted to.”

If Olsen does decide to hang up the cleats, he should have a job almost instantly in a broadcast booth with one of the major networks. He has spent time during the bye each of the last few seasons in a broadcast booth. Olsen could also look into coaching.