Versatile edge rushers who have proven themselves are a known commodity in the NFL, and they get paid like it during free agency. That means for Brian Orakpo, it doesn’t matter that he only played in 7 games last year before tearing a pectoral muscle for the third time (the first two times were on the left side, but still). Teams don’t care that he only registered a half of a sack in those 7 games playing under the Franchise Tag, or the fact that he was otherwise a disappearing act on defense.
Nope. It’s the NFL off-season, which means this is the time teams talk themselves into large lucrative contracts with big name free agents based off of prior performance. So, because of Orakpo’s consistent production of the all important sack statistic (he registered no less than 8.5 a year prior to last season), his name has been at the top of a lot of team’s wishes. And, according to Mike Florio of PFT, Atlanta may be the team most likely to land him.
Per a league source, at least four teams are interested in Orakpo. For now, the leaders are believed to be Washington and the Falcons.
The Falcons desperately need help on the edge of the defensive line, a year after former coach Mike Smith successfully lobbied for the investment of offseason funds on interior defensive linemen. New coach Dan Quinn is emphasizing speed in all phases of the game.
Of course, the Redskins will attempt to extend their relationship with the 28 year old – but early reports out of DC aren’t looking all that positive.
Redskins and Brian Orakpo had been working on a long term contract extension, told "it's not looking good" Falcons are very interested.
— Dianna Marie Russini (@NBCdianna) March 3, 2015
Despite missing a total of 24 games over the past 3 seasons due to injury, the talented DE has managed to rack up at total of 40 sacks in 6 NFL seasons. Orakpo would certainly help bolster a weak Atlanta defense, but look for the Jacksonville Jaguars as a dark horse team to make a serious run at him too.
As is the case with most player’s in the NFL, getting the deal done will come down to whoever put’s up the most guaranteed money. One things for sure – this young man is about to get paid.