Bears trade TE Olsen to Panthers

CHICAGO (AP)—The Chicago Bears have traded tight end Greg Olsen(notes) to the Carolina Panthers for an undisclosed 2012 draft pick.

The trade announced Thursday night by the Bears is pa
rt of a major overhaul at the position for Chicago. It is also another big move by the Panthers.
On Wednesday, they agreed to five-year contracts with running back DeAngelo Williams(notes)—the team’s all-time leading rusher—and linebackers James Anderson(notes) and Thomas Davis(notes), according to people familiar with the deals. They also reached agreements with seven free agents, including kicker Olindo Mare(notes).
A first-round draft pick in 2007, Olsen has 194 catches for 1,981 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career, but it’s no secret offensive coordinator Mike Martz prefers blocking tight ends. Olsen finished 2010 with his lowest totals in receptions (41) and yards (404) since he was a rookie in 2007. He still tied for the team lead with five touchdown catches, but there was widespread speculation that he would be dealt.