March 3rd, 2014 
Rajan Nanavati 
Posted in 
The Washington Redskins announced that they have placed the franchise tag on linebacker Brian Orakpo today, effectively resigning him to a one year deal for the 2014 season.
However, Orakpo has not signed a deal under the terms of the franchise tag yet, in hopes of reaching a long-term deal. The franchise tag does not limit the Redskins from still signing Orakpo to a long term deal, but that must take place prior to July 15th. If Orakpo does not agree to a long term deal prior to that date, he will earn $11.455 million under the franchise tag.
Ben Dogra, Orakpo’s agent has said that he will continue communications with the Redskins to in hopes of reaching a long-term deal. Orakpo has made statements that while he’s generally fine with the franchise tag, he also hopes to reach a long-term deal with the Redskins.
After missing almost all of the 2012 season with a torn pectoral muscle, Orakpo made his third Pro Bowl in 2013, after recording a career-high 60 tackles, 10 sacks, and his first career interception returned for a touchdown.
Tags: 
[…] Rajan Nanavati The Washington Redskins announced that they have placed the franchise tag on linebacker Brian […]
SS back-up JOSH GUMBS signed to a one-year deal for slightly above the league minimum.
BRIAN ORAKPO tagged. That 11+ mill hit to the cap could be mitigated in several ways.
A long-term back-end deal would be the preferable plan A choice.
The most obvious plan B is to let ADAM CARRIKER and STEPHEN BOWEN walk, adding about half of the ORAKPO money to the cap.
Or plan C with BAKER signed, they would need a new FA, or a their top pick as a replacement. Not the best way to go, but do-able.