WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Finally, some news about the Redskins! The Washington Post is reporting that the Redskins are targeting London Fletcher and Nate Clements in free agency. Discuss!

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/13/AR2007021301286.html]Brunell, Team Talk With Cap in Mind - washingtonpost.com[/url]

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

2 guys that know the williams system. fletcher is still a playmaker and an excellent tackler, not to mention a leader. hope we can wrap them both up

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Nate Clements is a very good corner who knows Williams' system, but if he demands an $18M signing bonus (as reported by numerous news outlets) I'd prefer to pass.

Fletcher also knows Williams' system as has been very productive, but he'll be 32 when the season starts. I would not be opposed to signing him, provided the deal is for 3-4 years (with an expectation that he will be cut or put in a reserve role within 2 years) and not more than $4M in guaranteed money.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

I never realized his full name was [URL="http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/12371"]London Fletcher-Baker[/URL]

I say at most get one of them. Don't really need both

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[QUOTE=TAFKAS;277229]I never realized his full name was [URL="http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/12371"]London Fletcher-Baker[/URL]

I say at most get one of them. Don't really need both[/QUOTE]

we dont need both? i disagree.

he changed his name in the last few years i believe

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Why change? I mean did he get married to a guy and demand he keep a part of his last name?



totally jk btw...

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

In 2004, London Fletcher changed his surname to Fletcher-Baker as an honor to his father and grandfather.

from wikipedia

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Clements is great but for some reason I've got that funny feeling I had when we drafted Carlos Rogers instead of Merriman, and when we picked McIntosh over Thomas Howard (which remains to be seen who's the better of the two).

I would have prefered Asante Samuel.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[quote=Skins_4_Lyfe;277251]Clements is great but for some reason I've got that funny feeling I had when we drafted Carlos Rogers instead of Merriman, and when we picked McIntosh over Thomas Howard (which remains to be seen who's the better of the two).

I would have prefered Asante Samuel.[/quote]

The Pats may hold onto Samuel (via contract or franchise tag).

I think that both moves make sense. If they keep Springs (big if), the secondary has a ridiculous amount of talent.

If they sign Fletcher-Baker the linebacking corps seems to go from a weakness to a deep unit (assuming that Washington is fine, they would start the season with plenty of depth in the middle and outside).

The learning curve will be short for both.

I think the D-line is still iffy but my guess is that the draft will take care of that. I hope they take Branch but I would not be upset if they take Adams as an alternative.

As always, these FA moves would look great on paper.

I still have faith in Williams. He turned it around in '04 and it would seem to make sense that "his guys" could help him repeat the act in '07.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

I just don't understand why people think Springs wants to go so bad...

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[quote=Big C;277240]In 2004, London Fletcher changed his surname to Fletcher-Baker as an honor to his father and grandfather.

from wikipedia[/quote]

ouch now I feel like an ass...

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[quote=AlvinWalton'sNeckBrace;277257]I just don't understand why people think Springs wants to go so bad...[/quote]

From the team's perspective, consider how much he is getting paid. From his perspective look at how the 3 years have gone for him and where he is in his career. He did openly (and justifiably so) criticize the team at the end of last year.

Don't get me wrong, I hope he stays but I would not be surprised if he is gone.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Sorry but bringing in Fletcher makes no sense to me. None what so ever. How about bringing in a MLB that is young and will perhaps have a chance to be with the team for several years. This is a total band aid approach.

Here is what messes up the locker room and team morale. Dock is still not signed yet. He should be the first priority! If they sign and give big $ to NC and leave Dock out there then that's not good. This is what pisses off guys in the locker room. Take care of your own first.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

I was one of the first to tout Fletcher and I think he'd be a great addition provided we maintain a plan for replacing him accordingly as he ages. He is at most a stop gap until we have the luxury of spending a high pick on a good replacement.

He a heckuva play maker and knows the system. I cannot imagine that he wouldn't bring something we've missed since Pierce was gone. A play making MLB who can run the D.

As for Clements well we need help in the secondary and he seems to fit the best. Unless I hear a better idea I am on board.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[quote=AlvinWalton'sNeckBrace;277257]I just don't understand why people think Springs wants to go so bad...[/quote]

I don't think he wants out. It's going to come down to $. He feels like he still commands top dollar and mgt probably thinks he does not becasue of his injuries. Springs will also not want to stay if they give big $ to NC and ask him to take a pay cut.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Where the hell do we get all this cap room? I sware we need a GM. Clements is fine. Fletcher would be nice to but for god sakes the guys gonna be 32 next season.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

OMG I just want Dockery Resigned...is there ANY news on that front? Its really all I care about at this point. I really think that it is such a glaring need to get him back to maintain the success we did on offense.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

The best thing we can do to improve linebacker play is Get another defensive tackle. We need a big fat slob that will anchor the middle and keep blockers from getting to Marshall.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

London Fletcher at 32 years old is the answer in the middle? It just never ends! I guess it's true some people never learn.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

well, fletcher is definitely better than what we had last year. it could be a great or terrible move, it all depends on the price. I mean, zach thomas and donnie edwards are still playing well, and they're even older. speed at mlb isn't that important compared to CB or OLB. I'll judge it when i see price tags.

both are great players right now though, and fletcher should have 3-4 good years left. But if he gets a 7 year 40$mill contract, i'm going to be hurting people....

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Fletcher makes sense for a variety of reasons. He knows GW's defense and even at 32 he's still a tackling machine.

He's obviously not a long term answer but considering our limited draft picks and a very weak MLB free agent crop out there... he's easily the best solution available.

I won't complain if he comes in and gives us 2-3 quality seasons.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

plain and simple, fletcher is an upgrade at middle linebacker, but is probably too old. and clements would be a good fit, and i really don't give a rats ass what the redskins pay anyone. year after year, the skins masterfully move right around the salary cap. one of these years, after the skins have some success, someone is going to recognize how good of a job whomever it is that runs the skins cap

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

clements is cool with me but how old is that undersized linebacker? he's got to have some years on him. Again the idea of throwing money at veteran free agents. this is not the way to correct the problems the redskins have with their roster. but again i forgot this is our superbowl. lets see who spends the most money in free agency. I have a funny feeling it will be the skins.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

I dont understand the fletcher thing. 32 years old is a waste of money. it would be different if it was for depth, at a LOW cost. This defense does not need to get older! It was one of the oldest in the NFL. Marshall will be 30, holdman was over 30, griffin, wynn, daniels, spring I think we all 30 or over. We need to inject some youth at those key spots. Clements would be a good pickup, but 18 million bonus up front? I dont think so. He is not $18million good. that is being the best in the NFL, and I dont put him there. I think we could find or draft someone that will be just as serviceable.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

You can't just ignore a guy because of age. It is a fine and dandy dream of some of you to think we can just always go out and either draft an immediate replacement or find one in his prime at 26 but that isn't the way it works everytime. Sometimes you can and sometimes you need to find a quality older solution with an eye on finding the long term solution next year. Anyone who thinks Fletcher would not play well for us and be a great addition doesn't understand football. The guy can play. True he isn't the long term solution but you cannot always have long term soltuion at every position. Draft a DLineman, sign a younger long term solution at CB and sign Fletcher as a stop gap until next year at MLB. I don't see what is wrong with that approach.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Why are we turning into Buffalo Bills South? :doh:

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[quote=FRPLG;277314]You can't just ignore a guy because of age. It is a fine and dandy dream of some of you to think we can just always go out and either draft an immediate replacement or find one in his prime at 26 but that isn't the way it works everytime. Sometimes you can and sometimes you need to find a quality older solution with an eye on finding the long term solution next year. Anyone who thinks Fletcher would not play well for us and be a great addition doesn't understand football. The guy can play. True he isn't the long term solution but you cannot always have long term soltuion at every position. Draft a DLineman, sign a younger long term solution at CB and sign Fletcher as a stop gap until next year at MLB. I don't see what is wrong with that approach.[/quote]

Exactly. Sure it would be nice to have a young stud at every position, but the reality of it is there is no team in the league that has youth at every spot. For those hating on this move, what would you suggest? We can't fill every need through the draft even if we had all of our picks.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Did anyone catch the end of that side note about Lavar's agents. It stated that the Redskins will not do business with his agents. It sounded to me that it does not even matter who the player is the they represent.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[quote=firstdown;277321]Did anyone catch the end of that side note about Lavar's agents. It stated that the Redskins will not do business with his agents. It sounded to me that it does not even matter who the player is the they represent.[/quote]


I did! How cool is that?
If your the Poston's, you might not be to happy about that. It might start a precedent that could have their clients going elsewhere if it gains momentum. Way to fight back Danny

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[quote=firstdown;277321]Did anyone catch the end of that side note about Lavar's agents. It stated that the Redskins will not do business with his agents. It sounded to me that it does not even matter who the player is the they represent.[/quote]

Yeah that's what it sounds like. I'm sure Danny boy's ass is still pretty chapped over that LaVar contract debacle.

I wouldn't be surprised if there are other teams in the league that refuse to do business with them too.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

I thought the Postons were suspended anyway. So who's representing Lavar these days? Is it #56fanatic?

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Only Carl is suspended. The other (Kevin?) is still allowed to operate.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

I think both players are fine as long as we don't overspend, which may be asking alot, the concern I have is that last year G Williams hand picked both A.A and A. Carter and neither of them worked out, although Carter played well down the stretch. The defense did better with a bunch of unknown overachievers but when they started added high price free agents to the team the defense got worse.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

Whether fans like it or not. Clements and Fletcher are GW's Boys. Look at posey. we signed him right up when he was released. Snyder will throw godly amounts of money at these guys and Fans will be excited at first. By week 5 we'll looking forward to next year already.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

I'm all for Clements and Fletcher, but Fletcher isn't a long term solution, I'd sign him to a 2 year deal or something along those lines until we can find that long term solution at MLB.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

This is just another example for us all as to why the draft is so important. Without any picks we are forced to go out and spend more more than we should on an aging player insteading of using the draft to develope our own talent. If you make a mistake on someone in the 2nd or 3rd round it doesn't cost as much, but when you miss on a high priced free agent you end up with last years team.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[quote=FRPLG;277314]You can't just ignore a guy because of age. It is a fine and dandy dream of some of you to think we can just always go out and either draft an immediate replacement or find one in his prime at 26 but that isn't the way it works everytime. Sometimes you can and sometimes you need to find a quality older solution with an eye on finding the long term solution next year. Anyone who thinks Fletcher would not play well for us and be a great addition doesn't understand football. The guy can play. True he isn't the long term solution but you cannot always have long term soltuion at every position. Draft a DLineman, sign a younger long term solution at CB and sign Fletcher as a stop gap until next year at MLB. I don't see what is wrong with that approach.[/quote]

I am not saying he can't play. My point is we fielded the oldest defense in the NFL last year and we need some younger, quicker, more physical players. what kind of deal do you think he is going to want? do we really want to give this guy the money he wants when we need a lot of different areas upgraded. We drafted a guy last year(Rocky) who should be given a shot at playing, and if Fletcher is brought in to compete or add depth, fine. but at what cost? I just dont see the need to bring in a guy, on the down slope of his career for a year or two, then have to cut him and eat more cap money. We dont have the draft picks, i know that. but why not trade down, get a couple more picks and look at drafting a guy that could compete as well as he could. We gave up picks to move up to get Rocky, are we going to let him rott on the bench? He should be expected to start. to say someone isn't football smart because I dont believe in bringing guys in that are obviously on the downside of their career is crazy. Haven't we gone down that road enough of bringing in people towards the end of their career? There have to be other options out there more attractive than a 32 year old LB.

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

welcome skinz, and the last sentence in your post is a great line. maybe a signature for someone?

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;277228]Nate Clements is a very good corner who knows Williams' system, but if he demands an $18M signing bonus (as reported by numerous news outlets) I'd prefer to pass.

Fletcher also knows Williams' system as has been very productive, but he'll be 32 when the season starts. I would not be opposed to signing him, provided the deal is for 3-4 years (with an expectation that he will be cut or put in a reserve role within 2 years) and not more than $4M in guaranteed money.[/quote]

Sign Clements, fire Rogers!

Re: WP: Redskins Targeting London Fletcher, Nate Clements
 

[quote=That Guy;277296]well, fletcher is definitely better than what we had last year. it could be a great or terrible move, it all depends on the price. I mean, zach thomas and donnie edwards are still playing well, and they're even older. speed at mlb isn't that important compared to CB or OLB. I'll judge it when i see price tags.

both are great players right now though, and fletcher should have 3-4 good years left. But if he gets a 7 year 40$mill contract, i'm going to be hurting people....[/quote]

Both Thomas and Edwards played on better defenses. Let's see if Griff and whoever else is on the line can play better. If not then it does not matter if we bring in Brian U.