Brian Orakpo: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent OLB

In this era of high-powered offense in the NFL, a pass-rusher such as Brian Orakpo will have a lot of value on the free-agent market. It's no surprise, then, that he's already stirring up interest around the league, including from Washington.    

Continue for updates. 

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Orakpo Reportedly Signs With Titans

Friday, March 13

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Orakpo signed with the Titans. 

ESPN's Josina Anderson reported that Orakpo is still in Tennessee, meeting with the Titans, and that the linebacker has yet to schedule his visit to the Arizona Cardinals. The Tennessean's Jim Wyatt weighed in on the Titans' pursuit:

Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reported early Friday morning that Orakpo still hadn't left Nashville.

Wyatt reported earlier that Orakpo's visit to Tennessee went well and noted that if Orakpo likes the team's offer, he could agree to terms.

On March 10, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reported that the Titans will bring in Orakpo for a visit as he explores free agency. His next stop was expected to be with the Arizona Cardinals, per John Keim of ESPN.com, but it remains to be seen whether Orakpo will make it that far.

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Orakpo Comments on Possibly Moving On from Washington

Wednesday, March 11

ESPN's Josina Anderson provided comments from Orakpo on the possibility of moving on from the Redskins.

"Obviously you can’t get too emotional," he said. "I’ve invested six years with Washington—good and bad. I’m not completely closing that door yet, but at the same time I have to face the reality there's a chance I’ll be playing for a different team."

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Falcons Reportedly Front-Runners to Land Orakpo

Monday, March 9

Dianna Marie Russini of NBC Washington reported that the Falcons are the front-runners to land Orakpo.

On March 3, Russini reported that the "Redskins and Brian Orakpo had been working on a long-term contract extension, told 'it's not looking good' Falcons are very interested."

On March 2, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that "at least four teams are interested in Orakpo. For now, the leaders are believed to be Washington and the Falcons."

Florio weighed in on Atlanta's interest.

"The Falcons desperately need help on the edge of the defensive line, a year after former coach Mike Smith successfully lobbied for the investment of offseason funds on interior defensive linemen," Florio wrote. "New coach Dan Quinn is emphasizing speed in all phases of the game."

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Cardinals Reportedly Interested in Orakpo

Sunday, March 8

Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports reported that the Cardinals "have interest" in Orakpo.    

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Eagles a Possibility for Orakpo

Saturday, March 7

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported that the Eagles have interest in Orakpo; however, the level of interest is unclear at this point.

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Orakpo Discusses Future in Washington

Friday, March 6

Orakpo talked with NFL AM, via Kevin Patra of NFL.com, about his thoughts on possibly returning to the Redskins:

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Obviously a window is still there. Sides are still talking but it's very minimal right now as far as, you know, it's always numbers. Numbers have to make sense for both sides, and I understand, me coming off injury, they have to look out for themselves and also I have to look out for myself. If we can come up with something that works for both sides, who knows?

"

He also addressed where he might like to play next, if not Washington:

"

Man, that's a good question. I've never answered a question like that. I mean, I don't know. It would either have to be one of the Texas teams, since I'm from Texas, obviously, or I love playing for the Redskins. The media over there, the fans, it's great man, it's a great thing. Even if I'm done playing with the Redskins, I hope those guys can turn it around and really win for those fans and that whole market out there, because it's great for football.

"

Orakpo also said he "wouldn't mind" playing in Dallas or Philadelphia.

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Redskins Reportedly Working on Long-Term Deal with Orakpo; Other Teams Interested

Tuesday, March 3

Dianna Marie Russini of NBC Washington reported that the "Redskins and Brian Orakpo had been working on a long-term contract extension, told 'it's not looking good' Falcons are very interested."

Rich Tandler of CSN Washington reported that it sounded like "the #Redskins are having a courtesy conversation with Orakpo's camp. They will easily get outbid for his services."

Bleacher Report's Chris Simms also took to Team Stream Now to discuss the possibility of Orakpo returning to Washington:

Russini also reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars were "very interested" in Orakpo.