Current 2014 Free Agents

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by KI Skins Fan

I think the decision on Orakpo should be based on two things:

1. Are we rebuilding?

Once that is answered, then:

2. What, not who, is our Top Priority?

I think we are rebuilding because we were 3-13 last season, we have a developing young QB, we have a new GM and a new, first-time, HC, and Bruce Allen said wants to add 20 new players during the off-season.

If we're rebuilding, then what is our Top Priority? I think that would probably be protecting our investment in RGIII by improving our pass protection so that he can better develop as a pocket passer. Of course, that means rebuilding the OL first.

I don't think the debate on whether or not to franchise Orakpo is as much about his worth as it is about where we stand as a team and what area of the team we need to focus on improving first. I would guess that if Orakpo is not franchised, then we should expect the Skins to bring in two or even three well regarded OL in FA.

You know, that's a fair assessment. If we are indeed fully committing to rebuilding (which I don't think we are) then I agree that we shouldn't sink that many resources into one player that's not RGIII related. However, I don't think that's the case here. We committed to a 30 year old CB just 2 weeks ago. Granted, it's at small dollars but still, it shows we are not going the route of the Jaguars and trying to get rid of all big $ contracts to rebuild. This smacks of, once again, too many voices, too many opinions, too much dysfunction in the front office to make a sound decision without all the laundry being aired in the media.

The money to sign Rak against the cap (or at least a good percentage of it) can be offset by cutting Carriker, Bowen, Rocca - players that won't won't be there likely anyways. There's something else going on here, it can't just be about the money.

What's embarrassing is that the 'united message' from Gruden, Allen, Haslett is that Orakpo is our "#1 priority". We're going to look like idiots if we let him walk without franchising, transitioning or re-signing him.