London Fletcher Has Ankle Surgery, Intends To Play In 2013

Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher underwent today, and announced that he intends to play next season. The surgery was on his left ankle, which had started to bother him towards the end of the 2012 season. If Fletcher does indeed return, it will be his 16th season in the NFL.

The soon-to-be 38-year-old is set to count $6.2-million against the cap this season, and while the Redskins are probably thrilled to have him back for another year, they may also look to restructure his contract.

December 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker London Fletcher (59) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the Redskins game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Redskins currently sit $4.7-million over the cap and have 13 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents with six more set to be restricted. Along with their own free agents, the Redskins certainly have a wish list of players from other teams that they may want to pursue, such as offensive linemen, defensive backs and a change-of-pace running back to back up Alfred Morris. However, having Fletcher back means that the Redskins won’t have to rely strictly on Perry Riley to be a playmaker. London Fletcher is one of the Redskins set to be a free agent, and though the Redskins would like him back, it’s far from a certainty.

Since joining the Redskins back in 2007, Fletcher has 847 tackles, which lead the NFL. He is also tied for the lead in interceptions amongst linebackers, sitting at 12 along with Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. For his career, Fletcher has never missed a game (240 consecutive regular season appearances), appearing all 16 games in each of his 15 seasons. Fletcher also has 37 career sacks (9.5 coming in Washington), 23 interceptions (12 coming in Washington) and 1921 combined tackes (844 coming in Washington), which leads active players.