Yes he is a free agent. Strengths: Playing the difficult DE spot in the 3-4 formation, Olshansky has helped give the Chargers one of the league's more formidable D-lines since entering the NFL in 2004. At 6-6, 309 pounds, he has a large frame and is very difficult to block coming off the line. He's extremely athletic for his size and has tremendous strength, giving him the ability to easily shed blockers. His powerful lower body makes him stout against the run. He can create double-teams, freeing up his linebackers to get clear shots at opposing quarterbacks. He has the versatility to line up at either end or tackle, depending on the system in which he's playing. Weaknesses: Olshansky can be very streaky. He makes some big plays but then disappears for long stretches. He doesn't react all that well and isn't an instinctive player. For a D-end, he doesn't have much in terms of pass-rushing moves, totaling just 11 sacks in five seasons. He sometimes allows his emotions to get the best of him, resulting in unnecessary penalties. He has never reached 50 tackles in a season. Risk factor: Moderate. Olshansky, who turns 27 in early May, will give a team a solid defensive lineman with many good years still ahead of him. However, his production in the pros never has been stunning, so there's not a whole lot of upside here. I'd be willing to take a flier on him. Rex Ryan should be able to utilize his versatility well.
So, some of you think this slow, no pass rush (11 sacks in 5 seasons) DE that has never approached Ellis' tackle numbers is better than Ellis? :lol:
I was actually hoping we could sign him without cutting Ellis. We would have a pretty good rotation with Coleman-Ellis-Olshansky-Devito/Mosely/Gholston(?). It would keep an older guy like Ellis healthier and less fatigued over the course of the season.
I think Ellis is really a speed player who the CS keeps trying to use as a power player because of his height. If he had been consistently put into situations where his mobility could be used his stats and reputation would be much better. Remember in '07 when he was used as an OLB against Pittsburgh? He was better at OLB than friggin' Bryan Thomas, Ellis has a lot of quickness. Last year on third downs the Jets often used Vernon Slowston as DE and moved Ellis to DT. I think it should have been the other way around, Ellis is the faster one. A good, but not great player who was never used right. Hallmarks of the Edwards and Mangini eras.
OK, is he a free agent? If so I'd love to sign him...to compliment Ellis on the other side. Ellis is top tier in 3-4 DEs this season. He shouldn't be cut and his money shouldn't be touched. He's producing like he should, if not better than he should. These two together would make for a beastly line but cutting Ellis to get him would make no sense.
Rex Ryan quote from the other day. I don't know if it means anything, but I don't see them cutting Ellis after Baker and Moore have been cut.
