Nate

Orchard

Orchard initially signed with Washington in late November, totaling 14 tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery across five games. Only 27, it’s still possible Orchard lives up to his former second-round pedigree under defensive-minded Ron Rivera.

Orchard survived the Dolphins’ initial roster purge on Saturday but was let go earlier this week. The Lions are his first reported visit. Orchard’s next team will be his sixth in a span of three seasons.

Orchard is a journeyman, but he was the Dolphins’ most effective pass rusher this preseason, registering four sacks. Although he made only four 2018 appearances between the Bills and Chiefs, Orchard should get another chance elsewhere.

Orchard got the deal after working out at minicamp. He split time between Buffalo and Kansas City last year — playing in just four games. Orchard became expendable after Seattle signed Ziggy Ansah but should have an easier path to snaps in Miami.

A former second-round pick by the Browns in 2015, Orchard made just four appearances last season, splitting time between the Bills and Chiefs. He will compete for a rotational role.

Orchard was a Hard Knocks star over summer but failed to make the Browns out of the preseason and then flamed out relatively quickly in Buffalo after 35 snaps. The Chiefs need a body with Justin Houston (hamstring) ailing.

A second-round pick last year, Orchard record just three sacks on 472 rookie snaps. “Last year was definitely a roller coaster,” Orchard said. “I think I handled it well and as the season went on, towards the end, I started to pick up and started to get in my groove.” With Barkevious Mingo’s future in question, Orchard has a shot to earn a big role.

Cam Johnson was signed off Arizona’s practice squad in a corresponding move. Orchard suffered a high-ankle sprain last week against the Dolphins. The nature of the injury suggests he could be designated for return. Corey Lemonier should see more snaps with Orchard sidelined, but he was added to the injury report Saturday as doubtful for personal reasons.

Orchard was healthy enough to play late in 2016, but the Browns designated Robert Griffin III as their IR return player. An outside linebacker his first two seasons, Orchard is moving to his more natural end position in Gregg Williams’ 4-3 defense. Orchard should open the season in a sub-package role behind Myles Garrett, Carl Nassib, and Emmanuel Ogbah.

The deal contains $2.581 million guaranteed, including a $1.508 million signing bonus. A 36-game starter for Utah, Orchard turned 22 in January. He rang up 25 sacks, 38.5 TFLs and eight forced fumbles last season, winning the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end. Orchard is just an average athlete, and needs to expand his pass-rushing repertoire beyond inside moves.