Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future

[GTripp0012]

Watching the Redskins take on the 49ers in a game that became one of many in a lost season, it was clear that London Fletcher simply wasn't playing like a guy who is ready to pack it in after the season and call it a career. Fletcher seems like a guy who is happy where he is: playing in a spot where people care about football.

His contract is up at the end of the year. I think there is a real possibility that he would return next year on a one year deal, but I want to ignore that possibility for a moment. If Fletcher isn't planning on announcing his retirement after the season, should he remain part of this operation going forward?

He's not quite the player he was in past seasons, but Fletcher still goes incredibly hard on every snap and outplays younger, more physically able (looking at you, Rocky) players on our defense. His leadership hasn't exactly rubbed off on the rest of the defense, who seem to like to point the finger everywhere but themselves, but with that aside, it seems like he could still be a very valuable player in the NFL into his late thirties.

Last time we had to make a decision on a very valuable 36 year old, the Skins chose to let Pete Kendall walk w/o a legit contract offer, and had to endure two seasons of sub par left guard play as a result. I think if this is Fletcher's last season here, there's a good shot the Redskins will be looking at a couple seasons of a gaping hole in the middle of the defense, as Fletcher is really the only thing they have to stop the free safety from having to clean up what the nose tackle does not.

Should London Fletcher be extended with guaranteed money equal to this year's salary? Or would you rather move on with someone younger and less proven in the middle of the defense who has a shot to contribute on the next Redskins playoff team?

[12thMan]

I think Fletcher should be rewarded with a three year deal, minimum. His presence on the field is undeniable and his impact can't be quantified. In fact, I can't imagine him retiring anything other than a Redskin.

Bring him back.

[BleedBurgundy]

Without a viable replacement, and assuming he's willing to come back for a realistic number- Sign him, no question.

[Hog1]

I....think you keep him:
Because of his talent he brings..
Because of the leadership he brings..
To help in breaking in and training his ultimate replacement..
WE need him to retire a Redskin....Positive traditions need to be a established...once again.

[CrustyRedskin]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Watching the Redskins take on the 49ers in a game that became one of many in a lost season, it was clear that London Fletcher simply wasn't playing like a guy who is ready to pack it in after the season and call it a career. Fletcher seems like a guy who is happy where he is: playing in a spot where people care about football.

His contract is up at the end of the year. I think there is a real possibility that he would return next year on a one year deal, but I want to ignore that possibility for a moment. If Fletcher isn't planning on announcing his retirement after the season, should he remain part of this operation going forward?

He's not quite the player he was in past seasons, but Fletcher still goes incredibly hard on every snap and outplays younger, more physically able (looking at you, Rocky) players on our defense. His leadership hasn't exactly rubbed off on the rest of the defense, who seem to like to point the finger everywhere but themselves, but with that aside, it seems like he could still be a very valuable player in the NFL into his late thirties.

Last time we had to make a decision on a very valuable 36 year old, the Skins chose to let Pete Kendall walk w/o a legit contract offer, and had to endure two seasons of sub par left guard play as a result. I think if this is Fletcher's last season here, there's a good shot the Redskins will be looking at a couple seasons of a gaping hole in the middle of the defense, as Fletcher is really the only thing they have to stop the free safety from having to clean up what the nose tackle does not.

Should London Fletcher be extended with guaranteed money equal to this year's salary? Or would you rather move on with someone younger and less proven in the middle of the defense who has a shot to contribute on the next Redskins playoff team?

Id hang on to him til he has to go on the field with a walker. Its sad to see him playing on such a crappy team, what a waste of a good linebacker.

[irish]

He's getting old, if he can be had for a year or 2 at a good price then do it but I hope they dont go overboard with him.

[Ruhskins]

Very good thread. Part of me would like to see Fletcher go to a contender so he can have a shot at a ring. But thinking for the overall welfare of the team, I'd like for him to stay with us. I really don't want this team to once again spend a lot of resources on the defense, and not having Fletcher next year would open up another roster hole right away.

Keeping Fletcher will buy us another year and gives the team an opportunity to see if Riley develops. As an insurance, it'd be wise for the team to get a veteran 3-4 ILB if Rocky continues to decline (he played well at the beginning, don't know what happened to him). But letting him walk would open a huge need on the defense, which we cannot afford to have.

[That Guy]

pour money into guys in their late 30s is very eh. I definitely give him another year or two though, since we don't have a replacement in place.

[NC_Skins]

Fletcher isn't going to start on a contender's team. I've seen him slow on some plays due to his lack of speed, which is showing with his age. That said, the guy is a true warrior and brings it every week and plays at a very high level for his age. I'd give him a 1 year deal and bring him into the coaching fold once he hangs it up.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

Fletcher isn't going to start on a contender's team. I've seen him slow on some plays due to his lack of speed, which is showing with his age. That said, the guy is a true warrior and brings it every week and plays at a very high level for his age. I'd give him a 1 year deal and bring him into the coaching fold once he hangs it up.

Well if the Patriots had a defense he could go play there, but BB pretty much gutted that D.

[Big C]

no question that if you want to win, you keep london fletcher. i have no problem bringing in some young depth to learn behind him, but he is our mvp on defense imo. yes, above orakpo. yes, above landry.

[GMScud]

I think a 2 year deal with a reasonable amount of guaranteed money is definitely worth it for him. I know he's old, but he's still playing at an extremely high level, and his intangibles are through the roof. He's our captain and the unquestioned leader in the locker room. Absolutely bring back London Fletcher, just for the right price.

That said, the guy who is going to take his place needs to be on the roster next year as well.

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I think a 2 year deal with a reasonable amount of guaranteed money is definitely worth it for him. I know he's old, but he's still playing at an extremely high level, and his intangibles are through the roof. He's our captain and the unquestioned leader in the locker room. Absolutely bring back London Fletcher, just for the right price.

That said, the guy who is going to take his place needs to be on the roster next year as well.

This. This is going to be a young team that needs leaders like Fletcher. Lunch pail guys who bring ethic and leadership to the table week in and week out. But as Scud said, you also need his heir apparent learning from him as well. Someone who can bring Fletcher's level going forward.

[SFREDSKIN]

Sign him up, he can still play and has gas in the tank. They would be crazy to let him walk.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Keep Fletch, 2yr. deal max.