Let Orakpo go

[Irn-Bru]

I like Orakpo and always have. But is he worth elite money he will expect from us? I say no.

He's going to want something around $10 million a year, which would make him our highest (or one of our top three highest) paid guys. I suggest we'd be better off sticking with Rob Jackson and other replacements. Jackson provides more disruptive play, IMO, especially in passing situations. We can't rely on Jackson to do 100% of what Orakpo did for us, but surely we can find someone else who can do the rest for less than the ~$9 million my scenario frees up.

A fair number of Orakpo's good-looking stats come in meaningless games or in games where we are so far out of it, it hardly matters. I hate to say it, but he often disappears for entire quarters, halves, and even games. The moments when he does break through are OK but not often or consistent enough to warrant "elite" consideration.

Some team will give him elite money this offseason, whether it's us or someone else. I am hoping we let someone else make that mistake.

The Redskins have long been a top-heavy team that lacked depth. Yes, you need star talent to field a dominating defense. If Orakpo showed the kind of dominance you see from Terrell Suggs or a half-dozen other defensive stars, this would be a no-brainer. But in no way do I see Orakpo playing at that level.

Thoughts? I'm particularly interested to hear if a case can be made to pay him "elite" money.

[riggofan]

I would hate to see him go, but think I'm mostly in agreement with you because of the "elite money" issue. I'd like to see the team make him a solid, very competitive offer to keep him with the team that drafted him. Beat out some other teams with the signing bonus money? But I think he's a guy who we could quickly decide was overpaid if he ends up with some ridiculous new contract.

[langleyparkjoe]

But when he is on the line he disrupts plays.. but in coverage he's a huge risk. Either way though, elite $ is hard to prove.. I'm with you Bru.

[riggofan]

Would it make a difference if we change from the 3-4 back to the 4-3? Would it increase Orakpo's value and capability?

[SkinsJock]

I do not think that 'money' is going to be an issue with this franchise under the current FO ... Scheme and 'fit' will be more important .. if the FO and the OC and DC assistants feel that a player is potentially a good fit for what they need to do - the FO will make fair and competitive offers ... I doubt that we overpay anyone or that we become the place to play if you're only interested in the money

IF Orakpo wants more than he's worth, he's not 'worth' keeping ... and I think he's a force on D

[PAPDOG67]

I actually agree with letting him go if he's is going to demand huge money, unless we go back to a 4-3, which I believe we should. I'm a huge Orakpo fan, but he is by no means elite. I think he would be much better with his hand in the ground on every down, chasing down the QB like Robert Mathis. Ditto for Kerrigan. If I see Kerrigan trying to keep up with guys like Shady McCoy or Jamal Charles on wheel routes next year, I'm going to puke.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Offer the man a respectable sum of money and let him choose whether to stay or go.

But, we must also realize that he and Kerrigan are equally average pass-rushers. If one is gone, the other tends to disappear, neither is an elite rusher. So, letting Orakpo go will diminish Kerrigans presence to a degree.

[Irn-Bru]

But, we must also realize that he and Kerrigan are equally average pass-rushers. If one is gone, the other tends to disappear, neither is an elite rusher. So, letting Orakpo go will diminish Kerrigans presence to a degree.

That is a concern of mine. But I think Kerrigan has progressed even more since 2012 when Orakpo was out most of the year, so I'm optimistic that we don't need the $10 million solution to make him effective.

[riggofan]

IF Orakpo wants more than he's worth, he's not 'worth' keeping ... and I think he's a force on D

Well, he's "worth" whatever he can get some team to pay him. I think that's kind of what we're debating here.

Chris' comment sounds about right to me. "Offer the man a respectable sum of money and let him choose whether to stay or go."

[SkinsJock]

to me, Orakpo is not worth what he or another team thinks he's worth - he's worth what our FO thinks he's worth ...

these guys are not getting into a bidding war like Snyder used to - they will make a fair offer to all these guys - that offer will not be based on what he might get elsewhere

[Chris Luva Luva]

That is a concern of mine. But I think Kerrigan has progressed even more since 2012 when Orakpo was out most of the year, so I'm optimistic that we don't need the $10 million solution to make him effective.

I think Jackson can fill that gap.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

I agree Rob is the better all around olb.. Raks inability to stay healthy is my main concern w paying him top salary

[Kilmer72]

I agree Irn and I have been thinking this way all year. You can make a case for franchise tag. That would be around 11 million but for one year and see how he does.

[Irn-Bru]

Franchise tag isn't a bad idea at all. I think we'll be overpaying him, but at least it's just a one-year thing with no long-term commitment. Gives us more time to work on a replacement plan, too, in case Jackson doesn't work out as a full-time starter.

[Burgundy&Wha?]

Orakpo would have to add a second pass rushing move to justify big money. He could be so much better than he is.

[Skins Fan in Indy]

I might be thinking crazy here, but to me and even thou I like Rak, I think if he wants the big money it would be time to move on. It is possible that we get an extra 3rd or 4th round pick through a trade or two and draft a diamond in the rough in case Jackson can not step it up. I would sacrifice Rak for a #2 receiver?.

[Hooligan]

I think Rob Jackson is a more well-rounded linebacker than Orakpo is. IMHO Orakpo provides an improved (yet inconsistent) pass rush, and that's about it. If we're staying in the 3-4, I'd rather plug in Jackson and spend that elite money on an elite nose tackle, rotating Cofield or bumping him outside with Bowen and Jenkins

[Countertrey]

Rob Jackson is more than servicable... we lose a bit in the pass rush, but gain a much smarter defensive player overall... better in pass coverage.

but , beyond that... 2 words... Brandon Jenkins. This is the reason he was drafted. Lis Franc is healed up... it's time.

[mastdark81]

That is a concern of mine. But I think Kerrigan has progressed even more since 2012 when Orakpo was out most of the year, so I'm optimistic that we don't need the $10 million solution to make him effective.

I think Jackson can fill that gap.

I say keep the best players you can and let Eric Shafer worry about fitting these guys in the cap, etc.

[mastdark81]

If you do not resign Orakpo who do we sign as his replacement? If there is a BETTER option out there around his age and not long in the tooth in free-agency I would go for it but I do not think there is sad to say.

[StorminMormon86]

Would it make a difference if we change from the 3-4 back to the 4-3? Would it increase Orakpo's value and capability?

According to ey, yes. He basically said the 3-4 defense stifled Orakpo (and Kerrigan). He thinks a 4-3 would be better suited for their talents.

[Kilmer72]

Would it make a difference if we change from the 3-4 back to the 4-3? Would it increase Orakpo's value and capability?

According to ey, yes. He basically said the 3-4 defense stifled Orakpo (and Kerrigan). He thinks a 4-3 would be better suited for their talents.

Rak did pretty well for us in the 43 with his hand in the dirt his rookie season.

[AnthonyRRedskin1995]

I might be thinking crazy here, but to me and even thou I like Rak, I think if he wants the big money it would be time to move on. It is possible that we get an extra 3rd or 4th round pick through a trade or two and draft a diamond in the rough in case Jackson can not step it up. I would sacrifice Rak for a #2 receiver?.

Not crazy. I love Rak too. I always have. But He can be replaced with Rob Jackson and to be successful with a limited amount of draft picks you need to make smart moves in free agency. And throwing a boat-load of money @ Rak might not be the smartest move.

[Jaymo8]

Irn Bru, questions, I brought up Kerrigan and Orakpo in the GM page. Interesting.
1. Is it possible to trade him (or what do you see other teams offering for Orakpo)
2. What are the repercussions of signing him then dealing him.
3. What do these two mean for the locker room?

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

Rob Jackson is more than servicable... we lose a bit in the pass rush, but gain a much smarter defensive player overall... better in pass coverage.

but , beyond that... 2 words... Brandon Jenkins. This is the reason he was drafted. Lis Franc is healed up... it's time.

Can't let this go unreplied too... I'm excited to see the boy work!