Panthers sign Cam Newton’s favorite target, TE Greg Olsen, to 2-year extension

Greg Olsen emerged as Cam Newton’s favorite target in his six years with the Panthers. That value hasn’t been lost on Carolina — and, on Thursday, the franchise rewarded it by inking their star tight end to a two-year extension that could make him the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Olsen’s contract, a three-year, $22.5 million extension signed in 2015, was set to expire after the 2018 season. His new deal ensures he’ll stick around in Charlotte — and potentially end his career with the team that turned him from complementary piece to game-breaking player. Especially since it seems he’s primed to be in the broadcast booth soon, after an audition to be Jon Gruden’s Monday Night Football replacement.

The veteran tight end blossomed into a star in Charlotte, stringing together three Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro honors in his six seasons with the club. Olsen got better as he got older, putting together a three-year stretch from 2014-16 that stands with some of the best in NFL history at his position. He had 241 receptions, 3,185 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns in that span — making his case as the league’s most dangerous tight end.

That proficiency helped push the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2015, but the Panthers haven’t been able to reach those lofty heights in the years since. Though the franchise rebounded from a 6-10 season to return to the playoffs this winter, their stay was a short one. Carolina was bounced from the Wild Card round by a Saints’ team that notched its third win of the season over the Panthers.

That wasn’t Olsen’s fault, though. After missing the bulk of the season due to a broken foot, the veteran returned in time to make a big impact in the playoffs. His eight catch, 107-yard performance proved his value in defeat — and stated a compelling case for his 2018 extension.