Unable to work out a deal before the 4 pm ET deadline on Monday, the Washington Redskins used the franchise tag on linebacker Brian Orakpo.
Orakpo, 27, is hoping to cash in after a strong finish to the 2013 season. He finished the season with 60 tackles, 10 sacks an interception and two fumble recoveries.
Now that the Redskins have tagged Orakpo the linebacker has made it clear he is not going to simply sign the offer but considered it progress.
“Hopefully we can get something done as far as long-term, but at least this is a step moving forward and not backward,” said Orakpo, via The Washington Post. “I want something that can work out for the both of us and this was that one step moving forward, and I’m happy to continue hopefully being a part of the Redskins.”
The good news for Orakpo is that there are no consequences for skipping OTAs since he has not signed. The Redskins also retained Jim Haslett so their defensive system is not expected to be any different in 2014.
