Washington Redskins and All-Pro linebacker Brian Orakpo says he ‘wouldn’t mind’ playing for the Dallas Cowboys if they show interest.
With the NFL free agent market about to open up on Tuesday, analysts and fans are speculating what teams players will sign with.
One big name free agent that, I’m sure, a lot of people have their eyes on is Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo. The All-Pro linebacker from Houston, Texas has spent all six years of his professional career with the Redskins after being drafted by the team 13th overall in 2009.
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He has stated that he loves playing for the Redskins, but he would be open to going to play for one of his home-state teams. Namely, the rival Dallas Cowboys.
"It would either have to be one of the Texas teams, since I’m from Texas, obviously, or I love playing for the Redskins. I wouldn’t mind it, I wouldn’t mind it. I mean, I know it’s been a big rivalry for years, but I am a Texas boy, man, so I wouldn’t mind it."
When healthy, Orakpo has proven to be a dominant force on defense. In 2013, Orakpo compiled 10 sacks and 60 tackles while adding one interception, which was returned for a touchdown, playing in 15 games. However, staying healthy has been an issue for Orakpo the last few years. He was limited to only 2 games in 2012 and 7 in 2014 due to multiple pectoral muscle injuries.
The Redskins probably can’t afford to lose a player of Orakpo’s caliber on defense, as their front seven is probably the only bright spot they have on the team at the moment. Still, if injuries continue to plague Orakpo, it will be hard to justify paying the hefty price he will ultimately hold in free agency for a player that will hardly play.
The Redskins have roughly $18.5 million in cap space, so they should have enough room to pay Orakpo what he wants. Still, if they are worried about his health and feel like the money could be better used on other positions, we may very well see Orakpo go home to play in Texas. However, the Cowboys are a bit strapped against the cap as well, so they would need to free up some salary if they want to bring Orakpo home.
H/T Black Sports Online
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