New Redskins HC Jay Gruden told reporters on Wednesday that he would be fine with OLB Brian Orakpo playing out the 2014 season under the franchise.
“I wouldn’t mind letting him play out this franchise tag and see what happens,” Gruden said, via ESPN.com. “He’s a talented player. I think he can do a little better, we can ask more of him to where he could be more productive. … We have high hopes for Brian, and whether the deal gets done or not, we know he’ll be a big part of our success.”
Washington placed their franchise tag on Orakpo a few weeks ago, but he has yet to sign his franchise tender.
Orakpo stands to make $11.455 million fully guaranteed for the 2014 season, but it seemed like they could discuss a long-term extension in the coming months that keep him under team control for the foreseeable future.
Orakpo finished the 2013 season with 10 sacks and has 39.5 career sacks in just 64 games for the Redskins defense and is clearly one of the best edge rushers in the league.
Pro Football Focus had Orakpo rated as the No. 4 outside linebacker in a 3-4 system.
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