April 2020 - Carolina Panthers Wiretap
Greg Olsen and the Carolina Panthers have mutually agreed to part ways after nine seasons.
The veteran tight end, however, says he's still interested in playing football.
"At this time I have not closed the door on any potential career options," Olsen wrote on Twitter. "I still have the love of football in my heart and will explore all opportunities presented to me."
The Carolina Panthers have hired Joe Brady as offensive coordinator.
Brady will work under recently hired head coach Matt Rhule.
Brady, 30, spent one year as LSU's passing coordinator and was largely credited with their offensive surge. Brady recently agreed to an extension with LSU that reportedly would have more than doubled his $410,000 annual earnings.
Brady learned much of what he used at LSU this season working with Sean Payton and Drew Brees.
Luke Kuechly has announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons.
Kuechly was incredibly productive in his career, but also suffered a number of injuries.
"I think now is the right chance for me to move on," Kuechly said. "It makes me sad because I love playing this game, I've played it since I was a kid. It's my favorite thing in the world to do. The memories I have from this place and this organization and being on the field with these guys – they'll never go away.
"In my heart I know it's the right thing to do… There's only one way to play this game since I was a little kid – play fast, play physical and play strong. And at this point I don't know if I am able to do that anymore."
"Beyond his extraordinary performance on the field, Luke has had a tremendous impact on this organization and region," owner David Tepper said. "In my two seasons with Luke, I quickly recognized how special of a person he is. The respect he gives and garners from others as well as the positive impact he has on his peers is second to none. It's obviously going to be very difficult for all of us because we know that no player can replace what he's been for this organization for the last eight years. His presence can't be replicated."
Matt Rhule, introduced as the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, hasn't ruled out having Cam Newton as his starting quarterback in 2020.
Newton, 30, is recovering from left foot surgery and is entering the final year of his contract.
Rhule said he needed time to study the roster and would have to talk to Marty Hurney and David Tepper about long-term plans.
"I certainly look forward to working with him," the coach said of Newton. "I hope so. But I don't know enough about, really, everything that's kinda happening right now."
The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a seven-year, $60 million deal with Matt Rhule. The deal contains another $10 million in possible incentives.
Rhule will leave Baylor for his first head coaching job in the NFL.
Rhule was also a leading candidate for the New York Giants.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports Rhule called the Giants and gave them the opportunity to match, but they declined and instead pivoted to Joe Judge.
Tom Brady is -700 (87.5 percent probability) to continue his playing career in 2020 and the New England Patriots are only tepid favorites to retain him at -120, according to SportsBetting.ag.
If he leaves the Patriots, the following teams are considered most likely.
Which team will Tom Brady play for in Week 1 of 2020 regular season?
Cleveland Browns 5/1
Carolina Panthers 6/1
Las Vegas Raiders 6/1
Dallas Cowboys 7/1
Indianapolis Colts 7/1
Los Angeles Chargers 7/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9/1
Denver Broncos 12/1
Miami Dolphins 12/1
Minnesota Vikings 12/1
Chicago Bears 16/1
New Orleans Saints 16/1
New York Giants 20/1
New York Jets 20/1
Arizona Cardinals 25/1
Cincinnati Bengals 25/1
Jacksonville Jaguars 25/1
Los Angeles Rams 25/1
Philadelphia Eagles 25/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 25/1
Washington Redskins 33/1
