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According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, the Falcons have expressed interest in veteran outside linebacker Brian Orakpo.
Orakpo, who's spent his entire NFL career in D.C., is slated to enter free agency later this month. He and Washington are reportedly discussing a potential extension, but if the two sides fail to agree on a new deal, Atlanta may become a favorite to land the three-time Pro Bowler.
The obvious concern here is health. Orakpo, 28, has torn pectoral muscles on three occasions; as a result, he missed nine games last year and 14 in 2012.
He finished 2014 with just 0.5 sacks in those nine contests, however he did register 10 the season before. The University of Texas alum has tallied no less than 8.5 sacks in each of the past four years he's avoided IR, so if he can stay on the field, he could be a significant upgrade for the Falcons.
Although Orakpo figures to command a big salary, the Falcons are currently more than $30 million under the cap. If there is mutual interest -- and that remains a big if -- Thomas Dimitroff has the funds to make this happen.