The Washington Redskins have announced that they have placed the franchise tag on linebacker Brian Orakpo, keeping him under contract for the 2014 season.
The club and the 27-year-old were not able to agree a long-term deal. Rather than risk losing him in free agency, the Redskins placed the tag on Orakpo keeping him at FedEx Field on a one-year contract worth in the region of $11m (£5.68m).
"I'm excited to continue to play football. I'm glad we've made the first step, but hopefully we can still get things done in the long run," Orakpo told ESPN.
"I don't have a problem with the decision [the Redskins] made, but I still want a long-term deal. This is new to me. I'm just letting this play out to the end."
The 27-year-old recorded 60 tackles, 10 sacks along with an interception last season.
