Brian Orakpo has 39.5 sacks in just 64 career games, and the Washington Redskins blocked his path to free agency Monday by applying the franchise tag.
Unable to reach a long-term contract agreement, the Redskins used the franchise designation that would pay a one-year tender of $11.45 million for 2014. The two sides can continue negotiations toward a long-term deal until July.
The two-time (2009, 2010) Pro Bowl outside linebacker needs just 4.5 more sacks to move into third place in Washington Redskins history behind Dexter Manley (91) and Charles Mann (82).
Orakpo, the 13th overall selection in the 2009 draft, approached the offseason with an eye toward free agency. Unrestricted free agents can begin signing with other teams on March 11.
“I had a great time being a part of the Redskins and I want to continue it but who knows, man,” said the 27-year-old Orakpo, who bounced back from a torn pec that ended his 2012 season in Week 2 to lead Washington with 10 sacks in 2013. “It’s not too many times you can be an unrestricted free agent. You’ve got to sometimes take advantage of that.”
The Redskins also re-signed veteran cornerback DeAngelo Hall in February. Without a first-round pick — the No. 2 overall selection belongs to the St. Louis Rams as part of the Robert Griffin III deal in 2012 — Washington could be active in free agency.
With Orakpo off the market, PIttsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds could be the top available 3-4 outside linebacker when free agency begins.