London Prepared to Leave (If No Deal)

[GridIron26]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

I'd try and find a guy in the draft that can step in and start alongside Riley for the next several years.

Let's suppose we traded up to draft Griffin, and we are left with only 2nd round, 5th, 6th, and 7th picks. Are you suggesting that we use 2nd round pick to draft a LB to replace Fletcher? Since not many teams would expect a player from 4th round or less to start on first game. If so, then what about WR, RT, FS, and CB? However if we expect to stay at #6 or trade down, then we maybe could use 2nd or 3rd pick to draft the replacement, but I think we would be taking a big gamble. Look at Eagles and their LB situation last year, they took Casey Matthews in 4th round with the expectation of starting him - look at how it worked out for them.

That is my point - we are not in a situation where we have the luxury to let Fletcher walk and expect to find someone to replace him.

[REDSKINS4ever]

Originally Posted by GreekSkin

Well if Lorenzo himself said it then surely he could match the production of London Fletcher... As for Rob Jackson while he could eventually make a good OLB he doesn't have what it takes to play inside and I don't know where you're getting that idea from. His instincts last year lead him to lose sight of the ball on more than one occasion, but sure let's have him replace the anchor of our defense.

Whether or not Alexander can match Fletcher's productivity would remain to be seen. Not all NFL inside linebackers playing in the 3-4 defense matched Fletcher's productivity or made more tackles than Fletcher did in 2011. But that doesn't mean Alexander couldn't man the position. But if the Redskins don't end up signing Fletcher before March 13th, then what? He'll be a free agent and could possibly sign with another team. Then the Redskins would have to either draft someone to replace him, make a trade, or sign another free agent to take London's place in the middle. As far as Rob Jackson, he really hasn't played enough downs to properly evaluate him. He played well against the Jaguars in 2010.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by GridIron26

Let's suppose we traded up to draft Griffin, and we are left with only 2nd round, 5th, 6th, and 7th picks. Are you suggesting that we use 2nd round pick to draft a LB to replace Fletcher? Since not many teams would expect a player from 4th round or less to start on first game. If so, then what about WR, RT, FS, and CB? However if we expect to stay at #6 or trade down, then we maybe could use 2nd or 3rd pick to draft the replacement, but I think we would be taking a big gamble. Look at Eagles and their LB situation last year, they took Casey Matthews in 4th round with the expectation of starting him - look at how it worked out for them.

That is my point - we are not in a situation where we have the luxury to let Fletcher walk and expect to find someone to replace him.

This team is simply not in a position to throw away 3 high draft picks to draft someone that may or may not become a great player. That's one of the reasons we're not a good team cause we've been too carless with draft picks. Keep the picks and keep building your team so you can sustain success.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by GreekSkin

our 5-11 record doesn't say anything about London Fletcher so I'm not sure what that proves. The point is, you can still bring in a young guy and keep a great player. It doesnt have to be one or the other.

We don't have cap issues, we don't have a young LB on the team that needs the playing time, furthermore we don't have a young LB on the team that deserves the playing time. Even if you bring in player in the draft whats the likelihood that we dont skip a beat by letting Fletch walk.

I just don't understand the reasoning.

The reasoning is I'd rather turn over the roster and get young guys on the field at every position, or most positions. This is a REBUILD! I personally think Shanahan is afraid to play young guys. Example..Why didn't they just put Riley in there instead of wasting time with Rocky? Rocky's NOT a fit for the 3-4 yet they still put him in there. Why? I want Fletcher back. I'm just saying he's not A MUST SIGN. The sky isn't going to fall if we don't sign him. Remember, we're 5-11 and couldn't stop Joe Webb and Toby Gerhart. I'd rather get rid of a guy a year early than a year too late.

[GridIron26]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

This team is simply not in a position to throw away 3 high draft picks to draft someone that may or may not become a great player. That's one of the reasons we're not a good team cause we've been too carless with draft picks. Keep the picks and keep building your team so you can sustain success.

I totally agree with not trading up, I would prefer for us to stay pat and draft Tannehill. But then there are so many rumors claiming the fact that Redskins is looking to trade up to draft Griffin. You are still missing my point, regardless of what we do in draft, we still do not have enough picks to draft a replacement for Fletcher that we can expect to contribute immediately. We have several needs to fill in, such as QB, WR, FS, RT, CB, and maybe SS if we don't resign Landry. By letting Fletcher walk away, we would only add another position that we will need to fill in.

The only scenario where I can see us drafting a LB in draft who we can expect to replace Fletcher next season is if we trade down and gain another 2nd or 3rd round pick. I am not sure if that will happen since Tannehill will be gone in top 15, unless we want Weeden.

My ideal plan for ILB situation would be to resign Fletcher and draft a replacement next year.

[Swarley]

Who is telling you that this is a full blown rebuild? lol If we make a strong move for either RGIII or Manning the writing is on the wall. We expect to get better now. You dont get better by letting your best defensive player walk, for nothing in return as well.

Even if it were a rebuild you're thinking about what good does opening up another hole in the roster do?

The biggest clincher on why we need to resign his is this though; We have the money and the cap space! It puts us at no disadvantage to pay him what he wants.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by GridIron26

I totally agree with not trading up, I would prefer for us to stay pat and draft Tannehill. But then there are so many rumors claiming the fact that Redskins is looking to trade up to draft Griffin. You are still missing my point, regardless of what we do in draft, we still do not have enough picks to draft a replacement for Fletcher that we can expect to contribute immediately. We have several needs to fill in, such as QB, WR, FS, RT, CB, and maybe SS if we don't resign Landry. By letting Fletcher walk away, we would only add another position that we will need to fill in.

The only scenario where I can see us drafting a LB in draft who we can expect to replace Fletcher next season is if we trade down and gain another 2nd or 3rd round pick. I am not sure if that will happen since Tannehill will be gone in top 15, unless we want Weeden.

My ideal plan for ILB situation would be to resign Fletcher and draft a replacement next year.

Agreed.

[rypper11]

There is no downside to re-signing Fletcher. He's got 3 years left in him and is the only consistent player on the team. His leadership is unquestioned and he never takes a play off. Why there is any consideration of letting him explore options outside of starting for the Redskins is beyond me.

[CultBrennan59]

I think the reason its taking them so long is cause Fletch changed agents.

[los panda]

i would love to see london fletcher go hard into his 40s a la darrell green. not quite a lifer but one hell of a model redskin

[rypper11]

Originally Posted by CultBrennan59

I think the reason its taking them so long is cause Fletch changed agents.

Who is his agent now. I looked but couldn't find it.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by rypper11

Who is his agent now. I looked but couldn't find it.

Ben Dogra...who also represents...Robert Griffin III...and many, many other players

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Ben Dogra...who also represents...Robert Griffin III...and many, many other players

[SkinzWin]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

Does that cat only have one ear? Is that representative of something?

[CultBrennan59]

Whats the latest on Fletch..feel like a deal is coming soon for him..