Will the Redskins place the franchise tag on free agent OLB Brian Orakpo?

The deadline for NFL teams to slap players with the franchise tag is later today and teams are deciding whether to use it or not and on what players. According to CBS’ Jason La Canfora, the Washington Redskins have decided not to use franchise tag on outside linebacker Brian Orakpo.

La Canfora writes:

"The Bills are unlikely to franchise tag star safety Jairus Byrd and the Redskins are unlikely to tag Brian Orakpo, according to league sources.The Redskins, who have many holes to fill, are not close to an extension with Orakpo and it would be surprising if they tagged him now. They could use that money on multiple positions. Plus, Orakpo’s health and erratic production have given them pause in the past, and GM Bruce Allen is generally judicious with how he spends his money.Orakpo, like Byrd, would find a strong market awaiting him come March 11, when the league year begins, and looks poised to move on. At this point, I’d be surprised to see either player is tagged."

A strong market for Orakpo might benefit him over the franchise tag anyways, and a player prone to injuries likely doesn’t want to play under a one-year deal no matter how much money he gets. For a linebacker, the franchise tag is $11.455 million.

[UPDATE:] Of course minutes after I post this a conflicting report comes out and here it is: