:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29446085/20130516_mjr_su5_089.0.jpg)
The Washington Redskins are set to use the franchise tag on outside linebacker Brian Orakpo.
Orakpo, a three-time Pro Bowler, would be paid just under $11.5 million for one season if the Redskins choose to use their franchise tag on him.He missed the final 14 regular-season games in 2012 with a torn pectoral muscle, but returned last year to lead the team with 10 sacks.
***
Houston tallied a career-high 69 tackles and six sacks across 1,049 snaps this season, grading out as Pro Football Focus' No. 11 4-3 defensive end. He'll be one of the top defensive lineman available in free agency. He’s played in all 64 games and started 59 of them.
***
At one time, Spikes was viewed as one of the best players on a rebuilding Patriots defense, but fell out of favor with the team last year before being placed on the injured reserve list prior to their first playoff game. He'll hit free agency March 11 and be one of the better linebackers to hit the market.
***
The 49ers re-signed wide receiver Anquan Boldin to a two-year, $12 million contract.
Boldin, 33, finished the 2013 season with a team-high in catches (85) and receiving yards (1,179) with seven touchdowns. Even at his age, Boldin was set to be one of the top free agents receivers on the market.