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The Eagles are likely on the search for an upgrade at pass rusher this offseason. While there is plenty to choose from between the free agent market and the draft, adding a veteran may be the way the Eagles want to go. If the front office thinks that adding another veteran to the mix is a wise move, they could grab a familiar face from a NFC East foe.
Brian Orakpo is a former first round pick and has been a solid pass rusher in a 3-4 defense his entire career. That could entice Howie Roseman and Chip Kelly to roll the dice on a long-term deal with the former Texas Longhorn.
NFL Career
The five-year veteran start his career with 16 starts in his rookie season. Orakpo compiled 50 tackles, 11 sacks (still a career high) and a forced fumble. The performance in his first year landed him on the NFL All-Rookie team and in the Pro Bowl. He followed up 2009 with another Pro Bowl season. Orakpo appeared in and started 15 games and produced 56 tackles, 8.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
In his third year, Orakpo started all 16 games on the season and contributed 59 tackles, nine sacks, five pass breakups and three forced fumbles. For some reason he did not make the Pro Bowl, despite having a better season in 2011 than in 2010. He had a short 2012, as he appeared in two games before being put on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle.
Orakpo came in 2013 and started in 15 games. He collected a career high 60 tackles, 10 sacks, four pass breakups and an interception. He was granted a third trip to the Pro Bowl for his efforts.
Appeal to the Eagles
Orakpo and the Eagles have a familiarity. They play each other twice a year and know each other well. Orakpo is a Billy Davis type athlete, as he 6-foot-4 and 257 pounds. He is still only 27 and has a history of relatively-high sack totals. Also, there is the idea of stealing a rival's assets and making them your own.
Appeal to Orakpo
The Eagles have a shiny new team with a lot of talent and are poised to be good for a while. Orakpo has been to the playoffs once with the Redskins and he only played twice in that season and did not appear in the postseason. Orakpo would not have to move far to have a potential perennial division contender to sign with. He is probably a long-shot but the Eagles also could probably outbid the Redskins, as Washington has several free agents to take care of before giving away everything to Orakpo.
Bottom Line(s)
Are the Eagles comfortable with giving away a lot of money to a veteran player?
Is Orakpo willing to leave Washington and for what price?
