Washington Redskins: What Happens to London Fletcher After the Season?

Following the Redskins’ 2011 season, it’s apparent that moves will need to be made. Players are underperforming, others are being suspended, depth remains an issue and the team lacks playmakers.

But there’s one player in particular that becomes a free agent at the end of the season not named LaRon Landry or Fred Davis—and he’s arguably the most important.

After four- and five-year stints in St. Louis and Buffalo, respectively, middle linebacker London Fletcher joined the Redskins in 2007 and made an immediate impact. In his five seasons with Washington (including this year), Fletcher has eight sacks, seven interceptions, seven forced fumbles and he has never recorded less than 129 tackles in a single season.

In addition to his stats, Fletcher has been an outstanding team captain, a locker room leader and the brain behind whatever defensive scheme the Redskins’ coaching carousel has thrown on the field.

Given the simple facts, there should be no question on whether or not Fletcher should be re-signed. He’s the ideal professional football player and he’s one of the league’s best at his position.

The drawback, however, is that Fletcher will be 37 years old at the start of next season.

I recently heard some radio personalities refer to this season as one in which Fletcher has seemingly lost a step. While I understand the rules of aging and that “losing a step” can be a pretty broad reference, I would argue that this guy deserves every penny of his next contract.

Put on the clothes and shoes of Bruce Allen, for a moment. Take on the personnel role of head coach Mike Shanahan. Then ask yourself: how much and how long, for London Fletcher?

The idea of a one-year deal has been mentioned amongst daily Redskins talk, but I think everyone can agree that a 16-game contract is a slap in the face of Fletcher and that he would likely decline the offer. At the same time, many are hesitant to give a 37-year-old linebacker anything more than that.

Fletcher’s current contract, which he signed in 2007 at the age of 32, is a five-year deal worth $25 million. And considering his on-field production, Fletcher was certainly underpaid. I take this into consideration.

Over the past offseason, the Redskins elected to re-sign a 32-year-old Santana Moss by giving him a three-year deal worth $15 million ($6 million guaranteed). I take this into account.

Finally, the Redskins’ current roster has very little depth, including the middle linebacker position. Although second-year linebacker Perry Riley has been very impressive this season when given field time, no one should think that he can step in right away and start next season. I also take this into consideration.

That being said, if I were general manager of the Washington Redskins, I would have no problem inking Fletcher to a three-year deal worth somewhere in the range of $15 million.

Some will think I’m crazy because a contract like that could mean that a 40-year-old is bringing in $5 million. But for a guy that has 176 consecutive starts, I’m not really harping too much on the whole age factor.

Not to mention, London Fletcher does more good for this team than arguably any other player on the Redskins’ roster for the last five years. On the field, he’s a beast. Off the field, he’s a professional. And in the locker room, he ranks amongst the coaches as a true team leader. So to me, giving this guy a fair $5 million per season for his services (on and off the field) is a bargain.

In the unfortunate situation that Fletcher hurts himself or is somehow demoted, it’s good to know that it’s not a total loss. Is $5 million too much for an inactive locker room warrior? Yeah, but I’m willing to take my chances on a guy like Fletcher. And given his track record, he won’t let you down.