Former University of Hawaii football standout Olin Kruetz has signed with the New Orleans Saints. Less than a week ago the Chicago Bears General manager Jerry Angelo offered Kruetz a take it or leave it deal hoping to corner him into staying. That didn’t work, as the Saints signed Kruetz right away.
Kruetz will sign a one-year deal with the Saints and will reunite him with his former Chicago Bears defensive end buddy Alex Brown. It was kind of a win-win for Kruetz, as he will go from likely joining a team that reached the NFC Championship Game last season in the Bears to signing with a team many expect will compete for supremacy in the conference this season.
Kruetz turned down more money from two other teams, including the Bears, so that he could sign with the Saints. Kruetz stated that it wasn’t about the money and at 34 he is looking for a ring before he retires. The Bears offered Kreutz $4 million to play this season, but the ultimatum he received from Angelo soured negotiations and he left.
Kruetz actually told the Chicago Tribune that he was considering retirement, and only a great opportunity would convince him to keep playing. I guess The six-time Pro Bowler found what he believes is just that in New Orleans.
Kreutz made 183 starts during his Bears’ career and missed only one regular-season game in the last 10 seasons. The Bears have signed Chris Spencer to replace him. The Bears play the Saints in Week 2 (Sept. 18) in New Orleans, which will give Kreutz and Brown an opportunity to see many familiar faces.
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