Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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?

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=GTripp0012;856826]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?[/quote]

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.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=NC_Skins;856840]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.[/quote]

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

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

London is a must right now. With all the other positions that need an upgrade, we don't need another one. He should retire a redskin. I could also see him becoming a LB coach with all the experience he has.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

Can't replace his leadership. Unless he wants a mint, sign him.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

What others have said. If we let him go, we create another hole. I think he'll be good for another couple of years, and we can use that time to find the guy who will replace him when he retires. But all the same if he wants to finish a career with a contender I would respect that, he deserves better than the team we've surrounded him with in the last 5 years. I doubt he wants a massive big money deal, and I'm sure we can bring him back at a reasonable price.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

I would give him at least a 2 year deal. First of all, he's surely playing well enough to start this year, and I assume he will still be a solid contributor, of not a starter next year. Second, there's no better (indeed, no other) leader on this team. We need to reward guys like Fletcher and set an example of what Redskins players should be about. Third, we should also start making noises now about whether he is interested in learning the ropes on the coaching side whenever he's ready to retire (not that we're pushing for that). Every player -- every one -- says he's like having a coach on the field, and I am sure it is true. With Chris Samuels taking steps in the direction of coaching, with Keenan McCardell doing I think a pretty good job on the WRs (given the talent he's provided), it would be great to have a bunch of former Redskins players -- and real character guys who played every down with heart and intensity -- to end up on our staff. It doesn't mean it would translate to success, and it doesn't mean that they'd have the top coaching jobs. But I think it would be great to see whether these guys can coach at the NFL level, and I am willing to bet that Fletcher can.

In my book, Fletcher is truly one of the great Redskins. I would put him up there with the likes of Darrell Green and Art Monk. Guys who come in and work like crazy, day in and day out, and do it because they so obviously love the game. They don't take days off -- heck, they don't take plays off. There are so few players like that these days and we should celebrate the ones like Fletcher who remain.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

He's may favorite redskin I hope we sigh him to a 2 year deal

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=Lotus;856875]Can't replace his leadership. Unless he wants a mint, sign him.[/quote]

Well, I just happen to have a mint in my pocket! Wait, no, it's a cough drop. Darn!

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

We all love Fletch. A true pro. But it's just time to move on. I just don't understand keeping a 36 year old LB on a bad football team. We need a younger, bigger, faster guy inside. Why can't we just draft a young London Fletcher to take over the leadership role?? I understand the sentimental side to it but this is football. It's a business. And cold business sometimes. As hard as it's going to be we have to say goodbye to Fletcher this off season. Time to move on.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=calia;856882]I would give him at least a 2 year deal. First of all, he's surely playing well enough to start this year, and I assume he will still be a solid contributor, of not a starter next year. Second, there's no better (indeed, no other) leader on this team. We need to reward guys like Fletcher and set an example of what Redskins players should be about. Third, we should also start making noises now about whether he is interested in learning the ropes on the coaching side whenever he's ready to retire (not that we're pushing for that). Every player -- every one -- says he's like having a coach on the field, and I am sure it is true. With Chris Samuels taking steps in the direction of coaching, with Keenan McCardell doing I think a pretty good job on the WRs (given the talent he's provided), it would be great to have a bunch of former Redskins players -- and real character guys who played every down with heart and intensity -- to end up on our staff. It doesn't mean it would translate to success, and it doesn't mean that they'd have the top coaching jobs. But I think it would be great to see whether these guys can coach at the NFL level, and I am willing to bet that Fletcher can.

[B]In my book, Fletcher is truly one of the great Redskins. I would put him up there with the likes of Darrell Green and Art Monk[/B]. Guys who come in and work like crazy, day in and day out, and do it because they so obviously love the game. They don't take days off -- heck, they don't take plays off. There are so few players like that these days and we should celebrate the ones like Fletcher who remain.[/quote]

Not sure I'm going to go that far. Those guys are Hall of Famers, that were drafted here and played on Super Bowl teams. Fletcher is not a Hall of Fame type player. A very good player but not on the level of Green and Monk.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

My guess is he leaves , GR Williams woud love to bring him to NO. Great guy great redskin , Im not sure he can take losing muh more .

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=GMScud;856862]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.[/quote]
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.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

I'd keep him on a short deal.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

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

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

Keep Fletch, 2yr. deal max.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

one year $1.5 million deal for him, to help develop the MLB we draft, being hopefully either Burfict, Te'o, or Hightower.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=CultBrennan59;856963]one year $1.5 million deal for him, to help develop the MLB we draft, being hopefully either Burfict, Te'o, or Hightower.[/quote]

1.5 mil? This isn't the old days anymore, and he's making what, like 5 mil a year this time around? Keep him at 5 mil per year.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=mooby;856964]1.5 mil? This isn't the old days anymore, and he's making what, like 5 mil a year this time around? Keep him at 5 mil per year.[/quote]

Yeah, the vet min is $820,000 for 11+ year vets. 1.5 million is lowballing a great player like Fletch, even at his age.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

I don't think Fletcher sticks around, or maybe I'm just hoping that's the case. There are plenty of good franchises that would benefit plenty from his contribution. On the other hand he's not going to make or break this team anytime soon in terms of money or record. Someone mentioned NE and Fletcher would be fantastic next to Mayo. I'm sure there will be other opportunities, but really he should just sign w/ a legit contender.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

I don't see London Fletcher going anywhere. Bruce Allen will offer him the right contract and he will stick around. London Fletcher already has a SB ring as a member of the St. Louis Rams. The Redskins without London Fletcher is like the Baltimore Ravens without Ray Lewis. I don't see it happening.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

Keep him, in fact talk to his agent NOW! Allen will not want to pay him a lot. given the way Allen jettisoned some old guys out of tampa, I wonder if he wants to do that w/Fletch. Hope not.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

There's a lot to be said for an aging vet who is smart and passionate about the game. For reference, see Darrell Green.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

Give a decent (3 - 5M) guarrantees the next two years with a third year. There is no one on the roster even close to taking his place, even if his play declines.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=mooby;856881]What others have said. If we let him go, we create another hole. I think he'll be good for another couple of years, and we can use that time to find the guy who will replace him when he retires. But all the same if he wants to finish a career with a contender I would respect that, he deserves better than the team we've surrounded him with in the last 5 years. I doubt he wants a massive big money deal, and I'm sure we can bring him back at a reasonable price.[/quote]

Yep thats the way i feel. He is still the best player on the defense, imo, and for people that dont think hes the best almost all would agree hes in the top 3. He may be older but he doesnt play that way. People age differently so even though hes 36 his play is at a much higher level and is declining at a much slower rate then most other players.

But if he does have the chance to go to a contender then im all for it. The only reason why he wouldnt start for most other teams is because of his age not his level of play. I could see him doing great in NE. He's proven at 3-4 and multiple versions of 4-3 defenses.

Rock is about to be 29. With that said who would you rather give a 3 year contract to? Id take Fletcher all day.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

I'd bring him back so long as he knows the longest contract he's going to get is 3 years. I wouldn't budge on that in the least. I don't know if he'll even demand anything longer than one, but there's no way I'd ever give him more than 3.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

With Fletcher, I think the decline will be sharp. I think he can maintain a level of consistent play until the day he loses the will to be great, at which point, there's really not a whole lot there behind that will. I think part of our perception of Fletcher is that he's better than Rocky McIntosh, who is out there doing the same things, in every single facet of the game of football. So it looks like Fletcher still has a lot left.

In reality, I think Fletcher is still very valuable, but he's more just getting by on his veteran savvy versus what he was in the past, a physical force that went sideline to sideline to hunt running backs. Fletcher had an outstanding year in pass coverage last year that he couldn't have repeated even if he was 27, but he's been merely adequate this year in coverage. He doesn't get sideline to sideline anymore, and while he's still quick enough to deceptively get to running backs as they turn the corner, he doesn't get off blocks that well anymore.

Still, I think it's a no-brainer that the Redskins resign him. I didn't like what happened with Kendall, and I won't like what happens with Fletcher if it's a season of Keyaron Fox and a free agent acquisition at LB next year. I don't hold the opinion that his leadership is rubbing off on anyone, but it's motivating [I]Fletcher[/I], which is the important thing. Group motivation is usually a blank check to say whatever you want, but there's absolutely no doubt that Fletcher is motivated to play football on every snap.

I don't think it's a given that he will always be motivated like he is now, and I don't think the "great leader" tag will always stick to him; at some point the failure of the team just becomes too much, which is a good argument to not bring him back. Again, I think it's a pretty easy decision to bring him back. The team can not afford any resources beyond a mid-level free agent or late round trade or undrafted free agent at a position where they already have a pretty big hole. Fletcher's job security is unquestioned at least through 2012.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

I dont think Fletcher's motivation is limited to the "Superbowl or bust" type mentality. I think that he truly loves the game and loves being physical enough to play in it. I think that he likes being the leader and in charge of 10 other guys on defense, playing at a higher level than guys 10 years younger than him, playing better then guys drafted 7 rounds ahead of him, out playing guys taller, stronger and faster than him in three different cities and under 5+ defensive coordinators. I think he has a lot of motivation.

He may just love being part of the game and while hed prefer to win, like anyone else, that he sees being part of an organization that is turning into something reminiscent of its past is almost as good as winning, that hes part of that change. I think that while every player shares a common motivation that other motivations are also present and may be just as strong or even stronger than winning a championship or being a constant contender. Id love to see Fletcher get another superbowl ring (or just win more than 10 games a season), even with another team, and while im sure hed love to get another too that may not be what he prizes the most. I think he will stay competitive and motivated for years to come, its just the type of guy he is.

I also honestly think that if Fletcher keeps playing at a high level for 2 more years he has a very legit chance at the HOF.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=REDSKINS4ever;856996]I don't see London Fletcher going anywhere. Bruce Allen will offer him the right contract and he will stick around. London Fletcher already has a SB ring as a member of the St. Louis Rams. [B]The Redskins without London Fletcher is like the Baltimore Ravens without Ray Lewis.[/B] I don't see it happening.[/quote]


Really???

You equate London Fletcher - - who is the most important defensive player on the Skins even if he is not the most physically talented player on the defense - - with Ray Lewis? :confused:

I don't think I can stretch that far...

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=GTripp0012;856826]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?[/quote]

Give him what ever he asks. The best player on the team period with the attitude to go with it. A complete leader and ballplayer. Pay the man.

Re: Make a Decision on London Fletcher's Future
 

[quote=sportscurmudgeon;857192]Really???

You equate London Fletcher - - who is the most important defensive player on the Skins even if he is not the most physically talented player on the defense - - with Ray Lewis? :confused:

I don't think I can stretch that far...[/quote]


Its an analogy, not a direct player comparison, and I kind of agree with it.

They both pretty much play the exact same role for their teams both position and leadership wise. While Lewis is obviously the better player and Baltimore’s defense is also much better I would agree that our defense would be affected in a similar manor as the Ravens d if both were missing their premier player and leader.