LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. – The Washington Redskins announced today that they have placed the franchise tag on linebacker Brian Orakpo. He will reportedly be paid just under $11-and-a-half-million for the 2014 season
Orakpo (6-4, 257 lbs.) led the Redskins in sacks for the fourth time in his five-year career in 2013, returning after sustaining a season-ending injury (torn pectoral muscle) in Week 2 of the 2012 season. Last season he finished with 70 tackles (47 solo), double-digit sacks (10) and had his first interception of his career against the Chicago Bears, which he returned 29 yards for his first career touchdown. He did miss the final game of 2013 with a groin injury.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Orakpo, 27, was originally selected by the Redskins in the first round (13th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. For his career, he has appeared in 64 regular season games, all starts, compiling 283 tackles (195 solo), 39.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception returned for a touchdown. His 39.5 sacks rank fifth on the Redskins all-time sack list.
Orakpo played collegiately at Texas from 2004-08, posting 132 tackles (93 solo), 22 sacks, 38 tackles for a loss, 62 pressures, six passes defensed, six forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. During his senior year in 2008, he garnered several accolades including the Nagurski Trophy (for the nation’s top defensive player), Lombardi Award (nation’s top lineman), Hendricks Award (nation’s top defensive end), unanimous first-team All-America and All-Big 12 selections and consensus Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
He was born on July 31, 1986, and was a two-time first-team all-district selection for the Lamar H.S. Redskins in Houston.
Hail.