Report: Contract Talks Between Redskins & OLB Brian Orakpo Still Ongoing

Redskins GM Bruce Allen told reporters on Friday that they were expected to meet with free agent OLB Brian Orakpo‘s reps at the Combine.

Mark Maske of the Washington Post reports that although the Redskins and Orakpo have yet to reach an agreement on an extension, the two sides will continue to work on a new contract in the coming weeks.

Maske’s source mentioned that they “are talking” and “will continue to talk,” but there is currently no timetable in place for an agreement to be reached. Both sides are will “consider all options” moving forward.

The franchise tag remains an option for them, depending on the amount of progress they’re able to make in the coming weeks. Franchising Orakpo would cost them close to $11 million next season, however, it would also buy them additional time to negotiate a new contract. The Redskins should have close to $28 million in available cap space this offseason, so they can obviously afford the tag should they go that route.

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 set to be an unrestricted free agent. He would have no shortage of suitors if he were to become available.

We have Orakpo listed as the No. 5 player in our Top 50 – 2014 Free Agents list.