Should the Patriots re-sign Dane Fletcher?
Dane Fletcher saw an increased role in the Patriots' defense this past season after Jerod Mayo was lost for the year. He showed some flashes of being a capable contributor to the defense, in total appearing in 15 regular season games, recording 26 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He played in 18% of snaps for the year, according to Mike Reiss. Fletcher is set to become a free-agent this off-season, so let's do an assessment of whether he is worth keeping around.
Player Profile:
Position: Linebacker
Size: 6'2", 244 lbs
Experience: Heading into 4th season
Draft: Undrafted out of Montana State in 2010
Why the Patriots should keep him:
1) Pass Coverage: Fletcher's best asset as a linebacker is his ability to defend the pass, something the Patriots have struggled with year in and year out at that position. Brandon Spikes, also set to hit the market, is terrible in pass coverage, and Dont'a Hightower had some pretty bad moments this year as well. Fletcher is smaller and more mobile than those two, but does not bring the same run-stuffing ability to the table. That being said, his ability to stay with tight ends and running backs makes him useful in certain defensive schemes.
2) Affordability: Fletcher played for a next-to-nothing salary last season, earning just over $600,000 for the year. While he contributed, he didn't have a season that would warrant any sort of major upgrade in salary. He has a familiarity with the Patriots system, adds depth at the linebacker position, and contributes on special teams as well. The Patriots will likely be able to retain him for pennies on the dollar.
Why the Patriots should let him go:
1) Replaceable: While Fletcher is a nice player, he is not skilled enough to warrant much of a raise, especially given the fact the team could try and replace him through the draft or free agency. According to reports, the team may be interested in CFL-er Henoc Muamba, who reportedly worked out at Foxborough back in December. He could potentially fill the role played by Fletcher, while the late-season emergence of rookie linebacker Jamie Collins may be another element making Fletcher more expendable.
Conclusion: CSNEE Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran wrote today about Fletcher and whether or not he thinks he will be back next season. The conclusion he reaches, which I tend to agree with, is that if Fletcher is looking for a larger role on the Patriots or elsewhere, he should probably leave. I would also add that if Fletcher is looking for any kind of substantial raise, he should be shown the door.
That being said, if the Patriots can bring him back at a price tag similar to last season's (chump change in the NFL), there is little to no reason to not bring Fletcher back, simply for his experience with the team, special teams ability, and contributions he can make to the linebacking corps in pass coverage.
So what do you guys think? Should the Patriots re-sign Dane Fletcher? Vote in the poll below, and let us know on Twitter: @PatriotsLife and @LiamPCunningham
 |
| Getty Images/ESPN.com |
Player Profile:
Position: Linebacker
Size: 6'2", 244 lbs
Experience: Heading into 4th season
Draft: Undrafted out of Montana State in 2010
Why the Patriots should keep him:
1) Pass Coverage: Fletcher's best asset as a linebacker is his ability to defend the pass, something the Patriots have struggled with year in and year out at that position. Brandon Spikes, also set to hit the market, is terrible in pass coverage, and Dont'a Hightower had some pretty bad moments this year as well. Fletcher is smaller and more mobile than those two, but does not bring the same run-stuffing ability to the table. That being said, his ability to stay with tight ends and running backs makes him useful in certain defensive schemes.
2) Affordability: Fletcher played for a next-to-nothing salary last season, earning just over $600,000 for the year. While he contributed, he didn't have a season that would warrant any sort of major upgrade in salary. He has a familiarity with the Patriots system, adds depth at the linebacker position, and contributes on special teams as well. The Patriots will likely be able to retain him for pennies on the dollar.
Why the Patriots should let him go:
1) Replaceable: While Fletcher is a nice player, he is not skilled enough to warrant much of a raise, especially given the fact the team could try and replace him through the draft or free agency. According to reports, the team may be interested in CFL-er Henoc Muamba, who reportedly worked out at Foxborough back in December. He could potentially fill the role played by Fletcher, while the late-season emergence of rookie linebacker Jamie Collins may be another element making Fletcher more expendable.
Conclusion: CSNEE Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran wrote today about Fletcher and whether or not he thinks he will be back next season. The conclusion he reaches, which I tend to agree with, is that if Fletcher is looking for a larger role on the Patriots or elsewhere, he should probably leave. I would also add that if Fletcher is looking for any kind of substantial raise, he should be shown the door.
That being said, if the Patriots can bring him back at a price tag similar to last season's (chump change in the NFL), there is little to no reason to not bring Fletcher back, simply for his experience with the team, special teams ability, and contributions he can make to the linebacking corps in pass coverage.
So what do you guys think? Should the Patriots re-sign Dane Fletcher? Vote in the poll below, and let us know on Twitter: @PatriotsLife and @LiamPCunningham
