ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington Redskins have used their franchise tag on three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Orakpo, all but ensuring he will remain with the team next season.
The Redskins used the non-exclusive tag Monday on Orakpo. He remains eligible to become a free agent later this month, but Washington will have the right to match any offer by another team and could receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if he signs elsewhere.
The tag is worth about $11.5 million for 2014.
The Redskins have been discussing a long-term deal with Orakpo. Those negotiations are expected to continue.
Orakpo had 10 sacks last season and has 39½ in five years since the Redskins drafted him No. 13 overall in 2009. He has twice torn the pectoral muscle near his left shoulder, leading to questions about his durability.
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org
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