NFL Trade News: Chicago Bears' Greg Olsen Traded to the Carolina Panthers

A developing story is taking place with the Chicago Bears, as it's been recently announced that they have traded their best tight end Greg Olsen to the Carolina Panthers.

Specifics of the deal are not yet available but ESPN.com reports the Bears will be receiving a player and a draft pick in return.

This is a move that is quite surprising as it been believed that coach Lovie Smith had expressed a desire to increase Olsen's role on the offense. 

Greg Olsen was a 2007 first-round pick for the Bears and gradually replaced Desmond Clark in the starting lineup. It was believed Olsen was on the chopping block last year, as his speedy, pass catching style at tight end, conflicted with how offensive coordinator Mike Martz views that position. 

The Bears signed Brandon Manumaleuna to act essentially as a sixth offensive lineman and hoped he and Olsen would be able to create a great 1-2 combination at the tight end position.  While the offense generally struggled during the year, Olsen had his shining moments most notably a beautiful 58-yard touchdown grab in the Bears' 35-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Playoffs. 

Instead, the Bears have cut Manumaleuna, let Desmond Clark go to free agency and have now traded Olsen.  They have signed tight end Matt Spaeth to replace Manumaleuna, but it's now anyone's guess as to what the Bears will do next.