The National Football Post's Jeff Fedotin wrote a piece on former Seahawks All-Pro linebacker Lofa Tatupu last month that addressed what Tatupu is doing these days and whether or not his career is over. After being approached by the Seahawks prior to the season to restructure his contract, he instead decided to ask for his release, which was granted. Just going off of memory, Tatupu subsequently visited the Redskins and Raiders but didn't find a landing spot. According to Fedotin's piece, ccording to a source close to the situation, a knee injury was the reason he sat out the 2011-12 season. "It was just injury-related," the source said. "He wasn't 100 percent and didn't feel he was ready to go."
Fedotin speculates that the Eagles could be a good landing spot but news out of NFL.com today is that he's got a visit scheduled with the Saints.
Former Seattle LB Lofa Tatupu visited the Saints Monday. He did not play in 2011 after being released shortly after lockout ended
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 14, 2012
According to Saints' beat writer Larry Holder, the Tats visit makes some sense but also raises some questions, as he wrote:
"The Saints are once again seemingly looking to improve at LB with the NFL Network reporting former three-time Pro Bowl LB Lofa Tatupu visiting the Saints on Monday. Versatile LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar is a UFA, LB Jonathan Vilma was saddled with injuries in 2011 and LB Scott Shanle isn't getting any younger."
As a huge fan of Tatupu during his glory years here in Seattle, I wish him nothing but the best and good luck in his search for a new team. At 29, he's still young enough to make a difference on a team somewhere, at least possibly in a more limited role. If he can get past the knee issues that likely led to his exit in Seattle, or at least cope with them, he'll be a value for some team willing to take a chance.
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