FA London Fletcher -- a no-brainer?

[GoWhalers]

I would be really shocked if the Pats let an opportunity to sign London Fletcher get away from them.

From the Rams in 2000-2001, and then the Bills through 2006-2007, Belichick has been gameplanning against this guy for nearly half his head coaching career. Fletcher's personal successes against the Patriots can only be seen as a testament to the guy's smarts and abilities.

Fletcher is 37 now, but am I crazy to think that Belichick looks at Fletcher like he did at Harrison and Seau?

 

[Deus Irae]

The Patriots have their starting ILBs. What they need are OLBs and backups.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

I seriously doubt this will happen.

 

[Sciz]

He said he's willing to leave the Redskins if the money isn't right. If the Skins aren't offering him enough to be their starter, then the Pats definitely aren't going to offer him enough to be a backup.

 

[BuffaloRocka58]

Why would the Pats go after a player who, with a defense that can barely cover receivers in the secondary, can't tackle a player until he's 8 yards down the field? Sure his tackle numbers are impressive but the guy seriously lets the RB hit the hole then decides "Oh, hey, there he is, guess I'll grab his legs." Couldn't stand him as a Bill, more power to ya if you want that debacle on your roster.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I would be really shocked if the Pats let an opportunity to sign London Fletcher get away from them.

From the Rams in 2000-2001, and then the Bills through 2006-2007, Belichick has been gameplanning against this guy for nearly half his head coaching career. Fletcher's personal successes against the Patriots can only be seen as a testament to the guy's smarts and abilities.

Fletcher is 37 now, but am I crazy to think that Belichick looks at Fletcher like he did at Harrison and Seau?

Yes you are crazy. It would shock me to see BB pay the considerable $ that he'd want for a backup ILB, a position where we have size, youth and speed far better than LF at this sunset of his career.

 

[supafly]

Fletcher has always been a great player at his position, and that is why I'd have loved to see the possibility of that a few yrs ago, but it never happened.

It won't happen now, as many posters have pointed out.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Fletcher has always been a great player at his position, and that is why I'd have loved to see the possibility of that a few yrs ago, but it never happened.

It won't happen now, as many posters have pointed out.

Yup. I always loved the guy. Great motor. Wanted him years ago as an FA despite his vertical challenge.
Is Welker taller?

 

[patsfan13]

If it were 5 years ago I'd be as hyped on him as I am Lloyd, but he is past that point.

 

[TheComeback]

Surprised at the reactions here. Yes, we've got two good ILBs, but depth never hurts, and Fletcher still plays at a very high level.

If he can be had for a reasonable contrct, it's worth looking into. He's not your run of the mill FA. He brings serious leadership skills to the table.

 

[TheComeback]

Why would the Pats go after a player who, with a defense that can barely cover receivers in the secondary, can't tackle a player until he's 8 yards down the field? Sure his tackle numbers are impressive but the guy seriously lets the RB hit the hole then decides "Oh, hey, there he is, guess I'll grab his legs." Couldn't stand him as a Bill, more power to ya if you want that debacle on your roster.

I don't what player you've been watching, but it's not Fletcher. This is exactly what people say about Mayo.

I live in the DC area, watch pretty much every Skins game, and Fletcher is still in beast mode. I don't think he'll take a cheap contract, but if he did, I'd be happy to have him on the team.

 

[Deus Irae]

Surprised at the reactions here. Yes, we've got two good ILBs, but depth never hurts, and Fletcher still plays at a very high level.

If he can be had for a reasonable contrct, it's worth looking into. He's not your run of the mill FA. He brings serious leadership skills to the table.

Fletcher is still a starter. New England has Mayo and Spikes as starting ILBs.

It's just not a fit.

 

[Joker]

Buffalo is where we SEND our washed up trash...Fletcher has about as much of a chance of becoming a Patriot as a one legged man has trying to win an azz kicking contest...

 

[TheComeback]

Fletcher is still a starter. New England has Mayo and Spikes as starting ILBs.

It's just not a fit.

Probably not, but if he were willing to take on a cheap (very cheap) contract and a limited role for a chance at the playoffs, it could work for both sides. Never hurts to have starting quality depth. Of course, he could have a chance at the playoffs as a starter on another team. Just saying.

Seau did it, and Bruschi did in a sense, so while it's unlikely, it's not unheard of. I'll admit that neither Seau or Bruschi were playing at the level Fletcher did in 2011.

 

[SONS_OF_BELICHICK]

yes ...london fletcher ...if you have no brain......
The patriots are looking for defensive help for sure...but not at the ILB position....that would be a luxury........I am thinking versatile OLB/DL .....and i think hje might go WR ....with the last pick .of first round ...and find a kid they can mold....

 

[supafly]

Probably not, but if he were willing to take on a cheap (very cheap) contract and a limited role for a chance at the playoffs, it could work for both sides. Never hurts to have starting quality depth. Of course, he could have a chance at the playoffs as a starter on another team. Just saying.

Seau did it, and Bruschi did in a sense, so while it's unlikely, it's not unheard of. I'll admit that neither Seau or Bruschi were playing at the level Fletcher did in 2011.

I think that most of us would agree IF he would play under a "cheap (very cheap contract" as you say.

It never hurts to have a player of his caliber and experience, especially for depth purposes.

The problem is, as many pointed out--that he's still playing at a very high level and is a starter. He won't be looking for a "cheap" deal, and he won't be looking for a depth/backup role either.