A first-round holdout is usually a big deal. Instead, the Washington Redskins aren’t sweating the reporting date for Brian Orakpo É yet.
The 13th overall selection missed training camp’s Thursday start. Orakpo may miss more until the market shows his worth. Given a glut of unsigned first-rounders league wide, it’s not the usual 10 percent over last season deal that’s quickly signed.
Agents fear leaving money on the table more than holdouts. Competitors will tell next year’s rookies that agent didn’t get his man every dollar. The rookie instead signs with competing agents. It’s a bloody business.
Normally, the Redskins could threaten Orakpo with the loss of starting time at strongside linebacker. Orakpo gains leverage knowing the team needs him to be ready for opening day.
But here’s the wild card — the Redskins can simply wait. If Orakpo misses weeks, the team could move him to defensive end on passing downs where he starred in college. Orakpo can play off natural tendencies for his first season rather than learn a new position. Now the Redskins have leverage.
“I think that we were satisfied enough during the mini-camps and OTAs that he was a quick learner,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. “If it comes down to him being far behind in that position then we will bring him along in that position, but actually put him in on the pass rushing downs where he can do what he does best and doesn’t have to learn.”
Orakpo isn’t a franchise-saving quarterback. Not even a marquee running back or receiver. Nor is he the hot new defensive star. That’s Albert Haynesworth. The wow factor that forced the Redskins to end holdouts by former first-rounders LaVar Arrington, Chris Samuels, Michael Westbrook and Heath Shuler isn’t there this year.
Not that the Redskins don’t want Orakpo on the field now. They’d much rather have him play linebacker than pass-rushing end. The alternative at linebacker is Alfred Fincher, who makes the roster off special teams. The Redskins are glutted with defensive ends, though certainly none as quick as Orakpo, who will certainly see some time there, too. But, the Redskins are better with end Andre Carter aside Haynesworth, rather than Fincher starting.
What’s it going to take to break the stalemate? Some signings around the 13th slot. Both sides will gain better insight into the deal. It shouldn’t take long to happen.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or
e-mail [email protected].
