Rob

Jackson

Jackson is one of the better edge players left on a stripped-down free-agent market. He made 14 starts in place of an injured Brian Orakpo in 2012 and registered 4.5 sacks. Jackson was sent back to a reserve role last season, notching just two sacks. In Oakland, he’d be a backup and play special teams.

Orakpo was not designated for return, which means the Redskins will be without their best pass rusher for the final 14 games. It’s the second time Orakpo has torn his pectoral muscle in the past nine months. He will enter a contract season in 2013. Rob Jackson and Chris Wilson will vie for playing time as Orakpo’s replacements.

He’s been in and out of the game ever since with cramps. Rob Jackson will see time when Orakpo heads to the sidelines.

It’s unclear what for, but it’s either a violation of the league’s PED or substance-abuse policy. Jackson is eligible to participate in the Redskins’ offseason program. It’s a blow to a team already low on depth and unable to maneuver in free agency because of its crushing salary-cap penalties. Jackson was productive in place of an injured Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo last season, tallying 37 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and two forced fumbles. Eligible to return in Week 5, he’ll serve in a reserve role in 2013.

Jackson started 14 games in 2012 after Brian Orakpo was placed on injured reserve, and he recorded 4.5 sacks while being fine in coverage with four interceptions and six pass deflections. The Redskins have used Saturday to lock up restricted free agents before tenders are due on Tuesday.

This has been in the works all day as Washington locks up its restricted free agents. Jackson will return to a reserve role behind Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo a year after starting the first 14 games of his career. Jackson proved a capable replacement with 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four interceptions.

One source told the Washington Post that Jackson’s ban is for use of an “unprescribed pain medication.” Jackson is appealing the punishment. Whether or not Jackson is absolved, he’ll return as the Skins’ third outside ‘backer behind Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo. We don’t expect to see him before Week 5.

There is some sentiment in D.C. for the Skins to re-sign Jackson and let free agent Brian Orakpo walk. Beat reporter John Keim says it’s “tough to imagine Jackson returning as well.” Although Jackson has been a super-sub off the bench, he is a clearly inferior player to Orakpo. It’d be a huge downgrade.

Jackson, 28, recorded 19 tackles and two sacks last season, playing behind Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo in Jim Haslett’s 3-4. Jackson hasn’t embarrassed himself in past spot starts, but isn’t a starting-caliber player. He’ll compete with Brandon Jenkins to keep the primary reserve OLB role this year.

He’s the fourth of Washington’s ten draft picks to sign. With a relatively shallow roster, Jackson has a better chance to make the team than most seventh-round picks.