The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly "very interested" in Washington Redskins outside linebacker Brian Orakpo once free agency opens on March 10.
Orakpo played out the 2014 season on the franchise tag. However, he appeared in just seven games before a third pectoral injury ended his season. Redskins execs have met with Orakpo's camp to discuss a potential new deal, though it remains unlikely that the veteran pass-rusher will be back in D.C. next season.
Enter the Jaguars.
Jacksonville may have to compete with the Atlanta Falcons for Orakpo's services, but that doesn't appear to be warding them off. What is unknown at this point is how Orakpo would fit into Jacksonville's defense.
The seventh-year vet played as an outside linebacker in Washington's 3-4 defensive scheme. The Jags run a 4-3 defense, meaning Orakpo would likely be looking at a position switch of some sort. What's more is that pass-rushers are not a high priority for the Jaguars. The team finished sixth in the NFL in sacks with 45 last season. Orakpo, who will be 29 next season, is not the type of young talent rebuilding teams usually go for.
If the Jags view Orakpo more as a defensive end then that would make a bit more sense. Chris Clemons was Jacksonville's only defensive end to record more than 17 total QB pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Also, the Jaguars are slated to have the most salary cap space in the NFL this offseason with roughly $65 million. If the team hopes to reach the minimum spending floor mandated by the NFL, it'll have to sign a handful of players in free agency, making the team's interest in Orakpo more understandable.
Washington was reluctant to commit big money to Orakpo due to his lack of game changing plays. He never topped the 11.0 sacks he recorded as a rookie and forced just six fumbles in 71 career games. When healthy, he is a good but not elite player in the vein of fellow pass-rusher Justin Houston.
