London Fletcher still hasn't made his mind up yet.
London Fletcher remains uncertain on NFL future
After 15 years, the linebacker isn’t sure if he wants to retire right now.
USA TODAY Sports
The 15-year veteran linebacker said he would "take some time" to decide whether or not to come back to the NFL in 2013. That was moments after his Washington Redskins fell in the first round of the playoffs in January.
Now, almost two months later, Fletcher is still mulling it over.
For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven
Fletcher told the NFL Network he is still evaluating his future, via Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Washington. Fletcher, who has one year left on his contract, said he hasn’t been given any sort of deadline by the Redskins to make a decision.
Despite not knowing whether or not he’s coming back, Fletcher said he’ll start training in a few weeks.
He did say, however, he wants to go out with some gas still left in the tank:
Fletcher on mulling future with #Redskins: "Some guys talk about they’ll play, ‘until the wheels fall off.’ I have zero desire to do that."
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) February 26, 2013
And there is certainly something left.
At 37 last year, Fletcher still dominated. He recorded 141 total tackles, three sacks, five interceptions, 11 pass deflections and a forced fumble. Most linebackers are putting those numbers up at 27, not 37. In fact, Fletcher didn’t even put those numbers up at 27.
Fletcher has put up better numbers in his last seven seasons than he did in his previous eight. In his first eight NFL seasons, from 23 to 30, Fletcher had 936 tackles, 25 1/2 sacks and seven interceptions. In the last seven seasons, Fletcher has 992 tackles, 11 1/2 sacks and 16 interceptions. He has become a captain and an anchor of the Redskins’ defense since joining the team in 2007.
If Fletcher can play near his 2012 numbers again, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him back for 2013. With Robert Griffin III running the show -- and hopefully healthy -- the Redskins have a good shot at getting back to the playoffs. Of course, it's a no-brainer that Fletcher would want at least one more shot at a Super Bowl ring.
The Redskins will want Fletcher back even more if they can't re-sign linebacker Rob Jackson, who is a restricted free agent. Jackson had his best season as a pro in 2012. He started 14 games and recorded 35 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks, four interceptions and a pair of forced fumbles.
More in the NFL:
See More:
