One of the biggest question marks heading into free agency is the value of Brian Orakpo, an excellent pass rusher when he’s healthy, but that doesn’t happen all that often. Despite his injury issues, the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals would like to sign him, while the Washington Redskins are hoping to re-sign him.
Obviously, it comes down to price. Orakpo played just seven games last season and missed almost all of the 2012 season. Yes, he’s a Pro Bowler in 2013, 2010 and 2009 (his rookie season) with 40 sacks in 71 games and overall an excellent string of productivity whenever he’s on the field. But it’s hard to ignore that giving him big money is somewhat of a risk.
And that’s why Orakpo isn’t going to be a number-one type of edge rusher, despite his talent. He’s not going to get the kind of money J.J. Watt was handed by the Houston Texans or the money Justin Houston will get once he signs a long term deal with the Chiefs. He’s a number 2 kind of guy and a great one at that, but it obviously depends on the system he’s in (better in a 4-3 than a 3-4).
The Falcons showed some interest initially but are on to other things. The Indianapolis Colts preferred signing Trent Cole, another player from the massive exodus and rehaul going down in Philadelphia. Orakpo doesn’t have too many teams chasing him and waving suitcases filled with money which might mean the 28 year-old is getting a little bit closer to staying in Washington than he was a week ago.