NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Should Washington Redskins retain Brian Orakpo?

By Andrew Long

facebooktwitterreddit

The beginning of the 2015 free agency period, which starts on March 10th, is right around the corner. Teams across the league will undoubtedly face tough decisions about players with expiring contracts; Washington is not an exception to that statement. The biggest question mark facing the Washington Redskins and their front office is Brian Orakpo.

When faced with this same situation last offseason, the Redskins decided to slap the franchise tag on Orakpo, a move that cost the organization $11.455 million.

Unfortunately for both parties involved, injuries took over and Orakpo had his worst season as a professional in 2014. The three-time pro bowler appeared in 3 games last season and only managed to corral 14 tackles and half of a sack. Last year wasn’t his first season with a major injury though, as he missed 14 games in 2012 due to a torn pectoral muscle — he finished that season with 5 tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack.

Obviously, the statistics that Orakpo posted during his injured campaigns were nothing to write home about; the same cannot be said about his healthy seasons, though. When he is healthy, Brian Orakpo is a force to be reckoned with from a pass-rushing standpoint.

He possesses freakish strength, which helps him drive opposing linemen backwards. While he doesn’t earn a sack on the play, the video below is a perfect example of how strong Orakpo really is.

His ability to control offensive linemen and force them into their own pocket is key. Even if he doesn’t reach the quarterback, he can still be extremely beneficial to his defense by disrupting run and pass plays; he can thank his speed for that. Orakpo’s speed allows him to explode past opposing linemen and garner sacks or tackles for losses; this only happens when he is healthy, though.

More from Washington Commanders

Orakpo has recorded a total of 152 tackles, 38.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles when playing healthy (4 seasons). With that being said, the Redskins will have to seriously consider Orakpo’s injury history before signing him to a long, lucrative deal. The problem for Washington’s general manager Scot McCloughan will be trying to find a middle ground  that both sides can agree on.

If Orakpo had played a full, successful season in 2014, it is very likely that he would be in line to land a monster contract from the Redskins this offseason. But after appearing in only 24 out of a possible 48 games over the past 3 seasons, it is extremely unlikely that Washington will sign him to the sort of deal that he was hoping for at the beginning of the year.

In my opinion, it would be best for both parties involved to come to terms on a short-term deal. This would provide Orakpo with another chance to prove that he is deserving of large contract and would allow the Washington Redskins ample time to decide whether or not he is an important piece moving forward.

I firmly believe that Orakpo has the talent to once again become one of the top pass-rushers in the NFL. But at the same time, I believe that Washington would be extremely foolish to hand out a large contract without proof of his resurgence.

So, to make things clear, it is my belief that the Redskins should bring Brian Orakpo back in 2015. Should they franchise tag him again? Definitely not. But if the teams can agree on a reasonable deal, then I don’t see the problem in giving a player as talented as Orakpo another chance to prove himself.

Next: Which free agents should the Redskins target?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Washington Commanders