Lofa Tatupu: 4 Reasons the Washington Redskins Will Sign Former Seahawks LB

Lofa Tatupu and the Seattle Seahawks mutually parted ways on Sunday. It was apparently an emotional affair for Tatupu and his teammates.

Tatupu had been a captain on the team for six years, ever since his rookie season. He was a stalwart in the middle, but the team is moving in another direction.

Tatupu had been injured frequently over the past few years after breaking out and becoming a three-time Pro Bowler and even making an All-Pro team in 2007.

Seattle was supposed to pay him a shade over $4 million this season but wished for him to restructure to bring him below $3.

After finding out that Seattle looked into bringing in Takeo Spikes during free agency, Tatupu felt the team had insulted him enough.

Rather than put his tail between his legs and take a pay cut, Tatupu is going to strike it out on his own in the free market.

There are a number of teams who need a solid linebacker and the Washington Redskins may just be front-runners for his services right now.

Continue reading to see the four biggest reasons to believe the ‘Skins will sign Tatupu this offseason. 

4. Youth

Tatupu is only 28 years old. He was a second-round pick in the 2005 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks.

Tatupu played his ball at USC but did not log too much mileage. He started his career at the University of Maine.

After his freshman year at Maine, he decided to transfer to join Pete Carroll and his unstoppable linebacker production line.

Tatupu was forced to sit a year for the transfer and ended up playing just two seasons at USC.

He put up great numbers but only logged 25 games, compared to double that number that some top linebackers play in college.

Tatupu has fresher legs than many think because of his low mileage and should be rewarded with a long-term contract if he manages to stay healthy after the ‘Skins sign him.

3. 3-4 Defense

Tatupu could be a great fit as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

He played in a 4-3 in college and throughout his Seattle career.

Going into a 3-4 would be a great change of a pace for the linebacker. He has yet to play it but seems like he would be a good fit.

His skill set lends him to playing the inside of a 3-4 much better than a 4-3. Having the extra linebacker out there will benefit him greatly.

If Tatupu is healthy, he could completely rejuvenate his career in Washington’s defensive scheme. 

2. Leadership

The Washington Redskins desperately need someone who can take command of the defense.

After Albert Haynesworth sunk team morale to record lows last season and Mike Shanahan constantly quarreled with certain players like Donovan McNabb, the team needs to find an identity.

While the linebacker corps has veterans London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh, Tatupu would help bring a solidifying presence to the locker room.

He was named captain his first year in the league and obviously is inspiring and respected.

Shanahan would be smart to bring in a man who can command a room like that after last season’s disaster. 

1. Money

Tatupu left the Seahawks because they refused to pay him an extra million dollars.

Dan Snyder, the Redskins owner, gives out millions of dollars every single year to free agents much worse than Tatupu.

Money is never seemingly an option to the Washington Redskins, except when that pesky salary cap gets in the way. It seems like they have become the New York Yankees of the NFL, but without the occasional postseason success.

Tatupu would get a fair deal from the ‘Skins, who run the 3-4 defense he could excel in. Speaking of the 3-4 defense…