5 Reasons NFL Teams Will Regret in Not Signing Lofa Tatupu

Despite being a free agent in the post-lockout NFL, former Seattle Seahawk Lofa Tatupu has yet to sign with another team for reasons unknown. He should get a call sooner rather than later as he is one of the more established LBs in pro football.

And if there's one thing that anyone will regret, it's Seattle for not re-signing him.

All that said, Lofa still has a lot left in him and he hasn't reached his pinnacle yet either.

However, if everyone neglects to sign him, they will be missing out.

Pro Bowl Status

Since his rookie year back in 2005, Tatupu has earned three trips to the Pro Bowl and one selection to the All Pro team.

He was also selected to the Seattle Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team, where he's not only starting, but also one of the youngest to make the roster.

It just goes to show how much of an impact he's made since his rookie season.

Proven Winner

While at USC, Lofa was a part of two national championship teams (2003, 2004) and helped lead the Seahawks to Super Bowl XL.

As part of both championship teams in college and the 2005 NFC Champion Seahawks, Tatupu was a starter and solid contributor.

The two seasons with USC (transferred from Maine after 2001), he compiled over 200 tackles, accounted for 13 turnovers and scored one TD.

His rookie year in Seattle?

Led the team in tackles, earned a trip to the Pro Bowl and played in a Super Bowl.

Consistency

During his first three seasons in Seattle, Tatupu led the Seahawks in tackles, establishing himself as one of the more prominent LBs in pro football.

During that span, he also earned three consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl and one All-Pro selection.

2009 proved to be a down year, but he suffered from a torn pectoral muscle, which in turn limited his play.

He did, however, have a solid 2010 season en route back to his old self.

Youth

This November, Lofa will be turning 29 years old.

It's definitely not old for an LB, but he will be on the backside of his career in a few years.

So, coming off a solid season where he got back on track after an injury, 2011 could be very good for him, provided that someone gives him a chance.

He is in the prime of his career and it's better to sign him now then sign him when he's in his mid-30s.

Leadership

You want to know the definition of leadership?

It's in an article by John Clayton of ESPN.com, where Tatupu defines it by his actions:

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"Tatupu helped to change the focus of the defense with his leadership. He has made his teammates more attentive in preparing by watching more game tape. He calls the defensive signals on the field."

"Even in his contract extension, Tatupu showed leadership. He could have demanded more money—teammate Julian Peterson, a perennial Pro Bowl linebacker, is making $1 million more a season than Tatupu will under his new contract."

"But Tatupu knew by taking a little less, it would free up room to help with a contract extension for linebacker LeRoy Hill, who is a free agent after the season. He is also hoping it would help the team reach a long-term deal with cornerback Marcus Trufant, who received the one-year franchise tag in February."

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Now, granted this article is from 2008, but you can't ask for much more from your defensive captain.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.