Ryan mentioned the possibility this morning that the San Diego Chargers could trade LaDainian Tomlinson this offseason; I suppose it kind of makes sense considering he really hasn't factored into their final game during each of the last two seasons. Oh, and for the most part he looked more Dungy than Tony himself this season.Well, those rumors have circulated just enough to hit the blogs, the mainstream and then filter their way back to sunny San Diego and LDT himself. For his part, he's choosing to pretend like they're just that: rumors.
Tomlinson says he's heard the rumors that the Chargers may trade him, allowing them to keep the cheaper Darren Sproles and get some younger players and draft picks to build a stronger future. Tomlinson still has 4 years left on his contract, and says management has not told him anything.
"As far as I'm concerned, I haven't had any indications. I'm still under contract and until told otherwise, I'll prepare to play football here," he said.Well, obviously, A.J. Smith and Norv Turner aren't going to ring Tomlinson up and let him know they're weighing various options just yet, but you better believe there's a team out there that's willing to cough up a draft pick for a chance to catch one or two good years of LaDainian. (But a third-rounder? Really? That's it?)
I think, anyway. While he's still a lock for Canton, there's also a pretty nasty stigma floating around former MVP, record setting franchise backs who crossed an age plateau before falling off into obscurity. So, yeah, the Redskins will probably trade for him.
Of course, where does that leave the Chargers? And why is everyone just acting like Sproles will suddenly perform like he did against Indianapolis over the course of a 16 game season. He's fast and versatile, but as far as I can tell, he's best used in conjuction with a feature styled back that can set him up to be the home run guy.
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The Denver Broncos' new coach, Josh McDaniels, joins his wife, Laura, for a photograph after he was introduced during a news conference at the NFL football team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. McDaniels, 32, was offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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New Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels addresses the media during a news conference at the Broncos training center in Englewood, Colorado January 12, 2009. The 32-year-old has agreed a four-year contract and will be introduced at 1900 local time, the team said on their website. Mike Shanahan was fired on December 30 after 13 years as head coach. Denver has failed to reach the playoffs in the last three seasons. REUTERS/Nathan W. Armes (UNITED STATES)
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The Denver Broncos' new coach, Josh McDaniels, left, and his wife, Laura, pose for a photograph after a news conference at the NFL football team's offices in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. McDaniels, 32, who was offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots, has agreed to a four-year contract with the Broncos. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
AP
New Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels addresses the media during a news conference at the Broncos training center in Englewood, Colorado January 12, 2009. The 32-year-old has agreed a four-year contract and will be introduced at 1900 local time, the team said on their website. Mike Shanahan was fired on December 30 after 13 years as head coach. Denver has failed to reach the playoffs in the last three seasons. REUTERS/Nathan W. Armes (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
New Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels addresses the media during a news conference at the Broncos training center in Englewood, Colorado January 12, 2009. The 32-year-old has agreed a four-year contract and will be introduced at 1900 local time, the team said on their website. Mike Shanahan was fired on December 30 after 13 years as head coach. Denver has failed to reach the playoffs in the last three seasons. REUTERS/Nathan W. Armes (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
New Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels addresses the media during a news conference at the Broncos training center in Englewood, Colorado January 12, 2009. The 32-year-old has agreed a four-year contract and will be introduced at 1900 local time, the team said on their website. Mike Shanahan was fired on December 30 after 13 years as head coach. Denver has failed to reach the playoffs in the last three seasons. REUTERS/Nathan W. Armes (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
New Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels addresses the media during a news conference at the Broncos training center in Englewood, Colorado January 12, 2009. The 32-year-old has agreed a four-year contract and will be introduced at 1900 local time, the team said on their website. Mike Shanahan was fired on December 30 after 13 years as head coach. Denver has failed to reach the playoffs in the last three seasons. REUTERS/Nathan W. Armes (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
The Denver Broncos' new coach, Josh McDaniels, talks during a news conference in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. McDaniels, 32, comes to the NFL football team after serving as offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots; he has agreed to a four-year contract. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
AP
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, center, talks about the hiring of Josh McDaniels as the NFL football team's coach, after a news conference in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. McDaniels, 32, who was offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots. agreed to a four-year contract with the Broncos. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
AP
New Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels addresses the media during a news conference at the Broncos training center in Englewood, Colorado January 12, 2009. The 32-year-old has agreed a four-year contract and will be introduced at 1900 local time, the team said on their website. Mike Shanahan was fired on December 30 after 13 years as head coach. Denver has failed to reach the playoffs in the last three seasons. REUTERS/Nathan W. Armes (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
1-13-2009 @ 1:52AM
CJB said...
There will always be room for LDT on Team Vizio... all those commercials of him leaping over or plowing through what appeared to be the entire Pittsburgh Steelers defense, and he did not even dress last Sunday... bummer.
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 2:43AM
John said...
Its LT not LDT! Wouldn't put it past those numbskulls in the front office to make another stupid move and trade LT. They would be getting rid of the wrong guy though. Norv is the one that has got to go. Sproles is no LT. LT was still able to put up 1000 yards with a banged up O line and injured most of the season. Sproles is good, but once teams start keying on him, they will stop him.
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 3:58PM
Marty said...
IT IS LDT! - LaDainian Tomlinson. There was & will ALWAYS be ONE "LT" & that's Hall-of-Famer Lawrence Taylor.
1-13-2009 @ 5:31PM
John said...
Marty who the heck is Lawrence Taylor? Get my point. You say LT everyone thinks LaDainian Tomlinson. Face it LT has run over Lawrence Taylor.
1-13-2009 @ 3:31AM
Fletch said...
11 carries for 15 yards in his first and only start of his career(sproles I speak of) This is an absolute joke of an article or topic to discuss. LT is going nowhere and anyone who thinks otherwise is foolish buying into the medias spin.
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 5:03AM
aecooksey said...
as dumb as it seems to mention a potential trade of LT, the stupidity and shortsightedness of the SD front office makes this a real possibility. Consider the way SD got rid of Schottenheimer after he turned the Chargers into a talented winning team (Norv Turner is only winning because he inherited a gem of a team...he's a great coordinator, sub-par head coach...but I guess that's for another day). Roster turnaround being what it is now, I wouldn't be shocked if LT travelled this offseason...just disappointed.
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1-13-2009 @ 7:51AM
Dave said...
Anyone want Larry Johnson.....hello.....anyone?
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 9:56AM
DON said...
THEY MIGHT AS WELL TRADE HE HAS LET DOWN HIS TEAM THE LAST 2 SEASONS IN THE PLAYOFFS BY NOT PLAYING. A GROIN INJURY IS NOT BAD ENOUGH TO MISS A PLAYOFF GAME.
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1-13-2009 @ 9:59AM
Jim Stevenson said...
Hey ..... the Yankees will take him !!!
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 11:04AM
TomW said...
The problem that players like LT have is that each year there are newer, bigger, stronger and cheaper running backs emerging from the colleges. LT is not very durable anymore and has not been there for the team. Another team will not likely take a chance on him and SD does have Sprowles to rely on, plus other backs who are available. Pittburgh and Baltimore have proven that a running game depends on the offensive line and an adequate passing game to keep the backs honest. Willie Parker is not a great back but he is made very good by the line in front of him. LT may have priced himself out of work. He has been good but not durable.
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 11:04AM
Raider Fan 4 Life said...
LT IS GOING TO THE RAIDERS!!!!!!! THANKS SUPER CHARGERS!!!!
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 2:32PM
steve said...
LT a Raider- give me a break- he has pride and would rather play for Detroit than wear the Silver and Black-(should be the Black and Blue). You neeed to lay off the kool-aid
1-13-2009 @ 2:48PM
kdwildman said...
Soooo what happened to your superstar back you got last year? Remember him?
1-13-2009 @ 3:40PM
Richie said...
I am not a Raiders fan but I agree with that statement. Al Davis loves guys like this.
1-13-2009 @ 11:08AM
Sharon said...
John this is for you. I have been watching football for over 40 years and there is only ONE LT and that is the retired Lawrence Taylor. Tomlison is LDT
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 11:19AM
dcdun said...
Don, come on? A groin injury is bad enough! I never played at the level these guys are but I've 'stained' my groin and it severely hampered my affectiveness on the field. You have to recognize the impact of this type of injury. Especially, when you factor in his running style.
So, to consider LT should be able to play with a 'torn' groin muscle is shortsited at best.
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 2:30PM
steve said...
The same guy that got rid of Drew Brees(shoulder injury), Lorenzo Neal(leg) and let Michael Turner go even though LT was injured last year is the same guy who will be hung by the yard arm of the Nimitz if he trades LT.
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 12:30PM
matt said...
he still rushed for 1100 yards this year on a hurt foot and shitty blocking he is still the best running back in the league people who say peterson is thats a joke he fumbles the ball every other play.
Reply
1-13-2009 @ 12:30PM
GeraldR5 said...
I was a Charger fan at one time. Then they dumped Bobby Ross (one of the best and most honest and decent coaches of all time). Then they treated Stan Humphries (their Super Bowl quarterback and the only one to lead them to the promised land) like a leper. Next came Drew Brees, then Donnie Edwards. The treatment Mike Riley received was downright inhumane, not to mention unprofessional. Now LT??? Come on, I stopped going to Charger games after the Bobby Ross and Mike Riley debacles. Charger ownership and management are enough to turn people into devout Ryan Leaf fans!!!
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1-13-2009 @ 12:41PM
Rick said...
LT is as disappointed about his lack of effectiveness in playoff games as anybody. Sproles is not an every play running back as evidenced by the numbers on Sunday. See him run behind that line for 16 games and then comment, NFW he can make it thru half that many games. great for screens and other outside plays, but 3rd and 1 he is not your man. A torn groin is not something you can just suck up and play with. not a good year for LT but to trade him would be ridicules. get rid of Norv and get somebody with some excitement in their blood.
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