So far, there hasn’t been much urgency when it comes to getting linebacker and defensive captain London Fletcher signed to a new deal. Yes, it has been four weeks since the start of free agency and it would be good to get it done for the sake of getting it done. But as long as Fletcher doesn’t start to look seriously at other options the standoff doesn’t mean much. There has been nothing going on at Redskins Park.
That will change on Monday, when the offseason workout program starts at the team facility. Fletcher will not be able to participate in the voluntary program since he is not under contract. Although OTA’s, when players get out on the field, don’t start until May, this is the first opportunity that players have to talk football with the coaches. Fletcher could use the time to get more acquainted with Bob Slowik,, who is moving over from the secondary to take the place of the departed Lou Spanos as the linebackers coach.
Although there is some football talk, the initial phase of the offseason program is about pumping iron and getting some running in. There is no doubt that Fletcher will keep himself in shape. It is when we get to mid May, when they start to take the field and line up as a team, that Fletcher’s absence would start to be felt.
Hopefully the matter will be solved by then. The Redskins and Fletcher seem to have few other options, if any. You have to believe that some middle ground will be found at some point. Until they do, Fletcher’s absence will be felt more and more very week starting next Monday.
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