Veterans Greg Olsen and Thomas Davis entered tough contract negotiations with the Carolina Panthers and shouldn’t be blamed for Dave Gettleman’s firing.
As training camp begins for the Carolina Panthers, the sting of Dave Gettleman’s firing is still burning within the organization. Former general manager Marty Hurney is now the new GM as well, as he’s back in a position that he held before and facing a mixed reaction.
However, the past with Gettleman hasn’t expired yet as many point towards the failed interactions with veterans as the main reason why he was fired. While there are examples to where these talks faltered, it’s hard to pinpoint that as the main reason why he the decision was ultimately made
Greg Olsen is the most recent example of a veteran Panther that has fallen out of talks with the front office. Olsen has been one of the most valuable players on the Panthers offense not named Cam Newton. Since joining Carolina in 2011, Olsen’s career has blossomed into one of the best tight ends in the league. Both he and Thomas Davis began steps to renegotiate their contracts with the Panthers during this offseason.
While neither of these talks grew as contentious as those with Josh Norman a year ago, speculation is that the situation played a part in Gettleman’s firing. Olsen even planned a holdout before training camp, but decided against it in order to not be a distraction.
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According to David Newton of ESPN, sources reported that Gettleman’s handling of the contract talks led to him being relieved by Panthers owner, Jerry Richardson. Davis has taken umbrage with being linked to Gettleman’s firing in any way, per ESPN:
"“Some of the stuff being said, it’s unbelievable to think of two guys that was being talked about,” said Davis, the 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. “You think about myself and you think about Greg Olsen and what we try to represent and stand for, not only as players but as pillars of the community as leaders of this football team, it was totally unfair and uncalled for some of the stuff that was being said.”"
Expectations are that Davis will get a new deal at some point before his current contract runs out. Olsen may not find himself in the same situation, even though his play proves his value to the organization. Olsen is the first tight end in the history of the NFL to have three-straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards and he’s one of Newton’s favorite targets. With Newton coming off of a less than stellar season and shoulder surgery, a reliable weapon like Olsen is needed on this offense.
It is never fun for a professional athlete to be blamed for the firing of a general manager or a coach. While this happens throughout all sports, it’s never an easy situation to observe. Gettleman has a track record of tough contract negotiations with veterans looking for new deals.
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Davis and Olsen are two of the top Panthers players on both sides of the ball. As Carolina heads into a season with expectations to turn things around after a mediocre 2016, the pair of veterans are an important part of that solution. The question is how long they will be a part of the organization after this season.