LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 07: Outside linebacker Brian Orakpo #98 of the Washington Redskins looks on against the New England Patriots during a preseason NFL game at FedExField on August 7, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Washington Redskins won, 23-6. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) Brian Orakpo of the Washington Redskins. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (CBSDC) — The Washington Redskins forewent re-signing linebacker Brian Orakpo to a long-term contract last offseason, instead applying the franchise tag to the 28-year-old former 13th overall draft pick.

For now, at least, that wait-and-see approach seems to have been the appropriate course of action for the team to take.

Orakpo, who recorded 10 sacks in 2013 and 39.5 sacks over his career prior to this season, has just one half of a sack to his name six games into the Redskins’ 2014 season, tied for 206th in the NFL and sixth on the Redskins roster. He’s made 23 total tackles — seventh on the team.

This all coming in a season, ahead of which defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said of Orakpo and fellow outside backer Ryan Kerrigan, he was going to “turn them loose.”

Haslett was at least half-right. Kerrigan is second in the NFL in sacks with 6.5, behind only Willie Young of the Chicago Bears (who has 7).

A former teammate of Orakpo — Fred Smoot (2009) — was asked Monday by The Junkies on 106.7 The Fan why Orkapo doesn’t appear to be flourishing in the Redskins revamped defense, and ultimately, what his future will be with the team.

“I really don’t know,” Smoot began. “I feel so bad for Rak cause I had a chance to play with Orakpo. But I tell you this. The only thing Orakpo can do now is tell that U-Haul truck to back up to his house and start packing his bags, because he’s probably gonna play for another team next year.”

“I don’t know if the pressure of playing for a contract is bothering Orakpo, I don’t know if he’s out there thinking too much, I don’t know if he’s injured,” Smoot said. “But it’s something that is hindering him from making plays when we know he’s capable of making plays. But on a good note, Ryan Kerrigan is living up to his prior billing and at least we have one good linebacker on the outside there. But I don’t know what’s going on with Orakpo right now, but I think he’s gonna have another-colored jersey on next year.”

Orakpo will become a free agent after this season, should the Redskins forgo reapplying the franchise tag to him.

The Redskins gave up 317 net yards of offense in their 30-20 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, an afternoon which provided plenty of ‘What we doin’ out there, man?‘-type moments.