Brian Orakpo is set to get a new deal this offseason, but if he does not then the Washington Redskins would have no problem using the franchise tag on the linebacker according to ESPN’s John Keim.
The Redskins have spoken as if Orakpo will be back and every local news story follow that beat. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett considers him the top priority to the 3-4 defense and all that appears in the way of his return to Washington is money.
Should the Redskins not get a new deal worked out for Orakpo then the franchise tag is expected to be applied. Teams can start to franchise players on Monday. A tag on Orakpo could cost $10.5 million but would allow the team to see if he continues to build on the strong finish from 2013 without adding salary cap concerns later down the road.
Sooner or later the Redskins will have to deal with contracts for Robert Griffin III, running back Alfred Morris, tackle Trent Williams and linebacker Ryan Kerrigan.
The Redskins are believed to have as much as $30 million in cap space.
