Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Newly-former Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo has decided to travel the reverse career-arc of former free agent bust Albert Haynesworth. Per multiple sources, Orakpo agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal with the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans are adding a six-year veteran and former D.C. area GEICO pitchman to the linebacking corps. Orakpo is familiar with the 3-4 defense, a scheme under which both the Redskins and Titans defenses operate.
Tennessee appears to be investing in the rare potential, and now possibly upside, that Orakpo has in getting to the quarterback. The former Washington outside linebacker notched 10 sacks in 2013, nine sacks in 2011 and 11 sacks in his rookie year of 2009. 2012 and 2014 weren’t too kind to Orakpo though, namely his pectoral muscles. Missing 23 of the 32 games from those two seasons with torn pecs, this is an early concern and possibly why the Redskins were willing to let Orakpo go through free agency.
It’s funny talking upside with a 28-year-old as if he were a rookie prospect, but given Orakpo’s oscillating history, it’s his potential that sparks the entire conversation. Whether the linebacker pans out or not may not matter to Orakpo, as the Titans have given the former Redskin $13.5 million in guaranteed compensation.
For a team that finished below the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2014 AFC South standings, signing the frequently-wounded Orakpo is a sign that Tennessee will take anyone they can find. Boom or bust, let’s just hope Tennessee won’t have to waste too much ink on future injury reports.
Jerry Landry is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Jerry on Twitter at @Jerry2Landry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.
