The Packers Missed Out On Igor Olshansky

by Brandon on Mar 9, 2009 2:00 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers News

Instead Dallas won the right to overpay for veteran free agent DE Igor Olshansky. From Blogging the Boys:

On Friday, the Dallas Cowboys signed defensive end Igor Olshansky (formerly of the Chargers) to a 4-year/$18 million deal. Jerry Jones was wise to play the waiting game, and was rewarded by landing a solid, experienced player at a clearance sale price.

I usually like Blogging the Boys, but giving a 4 year contract, with $8 million guaranteed, to a guy who lost his starting job and produced only 20 tackles and 2 sacks is not a reward. Greg Bedard over at JSOnline.com was surprised the Packers didn't make a serious run at Igor too.

Why?

I know the Igor Olshansky Bandwagon was in motion at this site, but I didn't think he was a great free agent.

Free agent DE Kevin Carter shows why Olshansky isn't an important free agent. The Packers appear interested in the 36 year old veteran, and there probably isn't much of a market for him. He's probably not going back to Tampa Bay because they appear to be cleaning house.

Carter started 16 games last season with 28 tackles and 4 sacks. Basically the same thing San Diego got, and Dallas will get, from Olshansky. At 6'5" and 300 lbs., Carter has the size to play at left DE for the Packers. He probably is looking for one-half of what Olshansky was paid and he's never lost his starting job. It doesn't even look like he's missed a game in his 14 year career.

The Packers need to sign a defensive end in free agency, to provide some depth and insurance in case DE Cullen Jenkins is slow to rehab from his torn labrum. They need to address this area in the draft too as they restock the defensive line to adjust for the switch to a 3-4 defense. But there are a lot of candidates available, and missing out on someone like Olshansky isn't a big deal.

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I thought we could get Olshansky for a cheaper

I admit, I’m just a little bit biased towards seeing members of the tribe playing for the Pack.

Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind". Basically, it's made up of two separate words—"mank" and "ind". What do these words mean? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.
-Jack Handey

by jobe on Mar 9, 2009 4:21 PM CDT reply actions

Carter....not so bad

That does seem like a lot for olshansky, but you have to figure that a guy entering his prime is in the best position to get that fourth year. At first I thought GB should pursue him hard, but I changed my opinion after hearing about how he finished up at SD.

The only thing not to like about Carter is his age. it would be a low-risk signing at worst, so I would like to see TT actually cough-up the elusive GBP offer.

There isn’t really any names left that will make a splash in free agency, so I just hope TT has a solid draft. In addition to getting help on DEF, I would like to see GB try to get a guy like Percy Harvin or Pat White — its just another weapon to mix in. (Like we need another WR :)

by ejthedj on Mar 9, 2009 9:17 PM CDT reply actions

Age isn't a huge problem

Defensive lineman age pretty well, it’s not like it matters when they lose a step, and it doesn’t appear Carter relies on a speed rush anymore. Defensive lineman can hang around for a long time.

And I’m fascinated by his durability. He doesn’t appear to have missed any time over his 14 year career, and signing someone you can count on for all 16 games has appeal too.

by Brandon on Mar 9, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions

No loss not getting Igor! We will be playing a one gap 3/4 D. He is better for a two gap 3/4… I hope we get Carter for a year or two he would be a good vet to teach the 3/4 to draft picks. I also like M. Wright alot. He was the backup to Seymour and Warren in NE. Did well in his opportunities, has better mobility and work habits than Igor. Carter and Wright plus a draft pick or two would stock the DL, just need a NT then!!!

Would at least like to see Burnett in for a visit. He is waiting for a contract from Oak or SD, but hasn’t gotten it yet. If one passes on him, it would likely bring him to GB and get us in the door w/ him. He could really help the Pack at ROLB. Be a good starter, until a draft pick steps up and takes the job in a couple years.

by Strohman on Mar 9, 2009 10:26 PM CDT reply actions