clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Redskins Talking About New Contract With Brian Orakpo, Falcons and Other Teams Interested

The Redskins could have competition if they want to re-sign OLB Brian Orakpo

By Scott Jennings
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Must Reads

Brian Orakpo's Agent Met With Redskins at Combine

HogHunter

The Redskins are talking about bringing back Brian Orakpo, but at what price?

Falcons Reportedly Interested in Brian Orakpo

Andrew Hirsh

Atlanta may pursue the veteran linebacker.

Must Reads

Brian Orakpo's Agent Met With Redskins at Combine Falcons Reportedly Interested in Brian Orakpo

Last week, ESPN's John Keim reported that the Redskins had met with Brian Orakpo's agent at this year's NFL Scouting Combine to discuss a new contract.  Yesterday was the deadline for NFL teams to place the franchise or transition tag on players who are entering free agency next week.  The Redskins chose to not use the tag on Orakpo after tagging him last season.  They are reportedly still discussing a new deal according to NBC Washington's Dianna Russini.

If the Redskins are interested in bringing Orakpo back for a 7th season with the team, they could have competition as he's set to hit free agency.  Russini first reported there was interest in Orakpo from other teams.  He would have received heavy interest from the Atlanta Falcons last offseason if the Redskins didn't place the franchise tag on him.

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk is also reporting that other teams will have interest in signing Orakpo when free agency starts next Tuesday.  He mentions at least four teams are in the mix, including the Redskins and the Falcons.  Atlanta's defense has been a mess the last few years, and they have been signing players to try to fix their pass rush.  Many people are projecting them to take a pass rusher with their first pick this year, and they might want to try to sign Orakpo if the deal is right.  Former Redskins DBs coach Raheem Morris is now the Falcons Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Passing Game Coordinator, and is familiar with Orakpo from his 3 years in Washington.

Per a league source, at least four teams are interested in Orakpo. For now, the leaders are believed to be Washington and the Falcons.

Whichever team signs Orakpo is going to have to take his injury history and low sack total(.5 sacks) from last season into account.  He entered the season injured and dealt with various injuries until his season ended with his third pectoral injury in Week 7 vs the Tennessee Titans.  Orakpo made $11.455 million last year with the franchise tag, but will be lucky to see half of that next year.  If the reported interest is legitimate, he could get a short-term deal or have to sign a 1 year prove it deal with incentives.  Will Brian Orakpo be the first Redskins 1st round pick since Chris Samuels and LaVar Arrington to receive a 2nd, long-term deal, or has he played his last game in the Burgundy and Gold?

[UPDATE #1: 8:35 AM 3/3/15] Falcons have heavy interest and new deal with Redskins "not looking good'

[UPDATE #2: 8:45 AM 3/3/15] Add the Jacksonville Jaguars to the list of teams reportedly interested in Orakpo

[UPDATE #3: 5:45 pm 3/3/15] Our friends at the District have learned the Redskins are offering a 2 year deal to Orakpo

[UPDATE #4: 10:00 am 3/6/15] Sources with Redskins say Orakpo won't be back with Redskins

[UPDATE #5: 11:00 am 3/6/15] He also mentioned on NFL AM that he wouldn't mind playing for the Dallas Cowboys

The pass rusher wouldn't rule out Redskins rival, the Dallas Cowboys. "I wouldn't mind it, I wouldn't mind it," he said of switching allegiances. "I mean, I know it's been a big rivalry for years, but I'm a Texas boy man, so I wouldn't mind it."

More From Hogs Haven