The 'LaDainain Tomlinson Is Done in San Diego' Sentiments Are Picking Up Steam

So here's the deal: when healthy, LaDainian Tomlinson is arguably the best running back in the league (All Day obviously has a strong case). The problem: sometimes LdT isn't healthy. Like, say, the last two postseasons. Michael Turner and Darren Sproles filled in admirably, which has led to speculation that Tomlinson might've already played his last game for the Chargers.

I mentioned the possibility on Sunday, and Brinson pointed out that LdT's heard about it, too.

And today, the San Diego Union-Tribune's Nick Canepa adds his two cents:

I'd wager a short part of what little I own that this great running back, this San Diego icon, has made his last juke and cut as a San Diego Charger. Life without LT? Prepare. ...

LT's fate will be a business decision and help, which the Chargers need in more than one area, will cost money. He makes a lot of it, and it's unlikely he will be asked to take a pay cut.

I'm still not convinced Tomlinson won't be in San Diego next fall, but as I've written a couple times before, NFL running backs, more than any other position, are easily replaceable. That's not to take anything way from LdT -- when healthy, he does things most guys can't -- just to point out that there are better uses of limited salary-capped dollars, particularly when the "things to fix before August" list is pretty long.

One alternative is to re-sign Sproles, who may want a substantial raise. Chargers GM A.J. Smith sounds interested in keeping Sproles in San Diego, just not at every-down back salary.

"A lot of people say I dance around it and avoid the question," says Smith ... "Darren Sproles was drafted by the San Diego Chargers to help us in three areas – kick returns, spot play as a running back and catching passes out of the backfield.

"We will be pursuing Darren for exactly the same reasons."

That sounds about right. Sproles has proven extremely valuable in the three phases Smith mentions, and I'm not sure if he makes the Chargers better by just becoming a running back. Of course, he may feel differently, especially after the two sides start talking numbers.

Whatever happens, there is life after Tomlinson, whether it's '09 or at some point in the future. And like him or not, Smith knows how to put together a roster. The guy unearthed Turner and Sproles; there's no reason to think he can't do it again.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-13-2009 @ 8:05PM

mb said...

LT little man big mouth!

1-14-2009 @ 11:08AM

Philip said...

Little man??"bigger in person" Along with Adrian Peterson and Clinton Portis I think LT is in the top three backs in the nfl.. I havn't really seen him have a big mouth.. But if he does he's good enough to back it up!!

2-22-2009 @ 1:53PM

caveman6339 said...

i agree he does have a big month sometimes

1-14-2009 @ 11:03AM

Jesse Fritsch said...

I don't see the Chargers getting rid of Tomlinson, it's probably just 95% media speculation. When he was healthy against the Broncos he showed he still has the speed, cut back and athletic ability he's always had. And RB's pad their stats against bad defenses and don't do well against good run defenses so the fact that he was playing the Broncos is largely irrelevent.

You let Tomlinson go, your letting a player thats helped make the Chargers offense as dynamic as any in football, literally the perfect RB, great runner, very good pass catcher, very good blitz recognition and pass blocking. He's literally mastered the position.

There's no need to just get rid of him because they won't f ind a replacement better than Tomlinson at 80% health. Darren Sproles has been a spot performer and has only started one game (11 carries for 15 yards). He's not used to being the defenses focus going into the game and gets many of his running statistics when the game is over, and most of his passing situations in guarenteed 3rd down passing situations.

I see the Chargers bringing Tomlinson back because it's the logical thing to do, Sproles will leave for money elsewhere, and the Chargers get a RB in the 2nd/3rd round area where there's plenty of depth, and add in Hester/Tolbert to play around with limited carries as the #3 option.

1-14-2009 @ 6:38PM

Sandra said...

I would like to think the Chargers would not get rid of LdT, but I would never bet on what the Chargers will do. I thought they would never get rid of Junior Seau, he's now a Patriot. I thought Lorenzo Neal was great, his season is not over with the Ravens. I think almost everyone is replaceable on the Chargers. Except may Shawne Merriman, he proved his worth by not playing this season.

1-14-2009 @ 11:55PM

dre said...

LT is good when healthy but when is that? NEVER!!!!!!!

1-14-2009 @ 11:44PM

Chris Accurso said...

I honestly can't believe that I am hearing speculation that LT is gone after this year. It has been relevant since the first game that the OL has some serious issues to say the least. We can all see what the guy is capable of doing when healthy and we have just seen what Sproles is capable of as a starting RB. To simply get rid of him for one subpar season that was plagued by injury is ridiculous...

I am a die hard Chargers fan and follow LT more than 99% of the NFL viewing world. For those who don't know, his stats this year with his injuried are arguably better than his rookie year. He had 1 more TD and only 67 less total yards with 54 less touches. This all includes a significantly higher yards per touch. This guy is as good as it gets when healthy. He's got plenty of gas left in the tank and it would be a shame to see him released or traded simply due to money issues.

To be honest, what would they do if they got rid of him? There are no free agents worth while available. There are no Rbs in the draft worth their first round pick to replace him considering their defensive needs. On top of that, they don't even HAVE a 2nd round pick. They'd be stuck with Sproles and Bennett trying to run the ball behind that still sub par OL. This shouts DISASTER to me. They can't afford to get rid of him and still be successful.

I think everyone is also forgetting about the impact that the absence of Merriman has been. Yes, he is on the other side of the ball, but he still gives the offense more opportunities. He shuts down drives and causes turnovers. This allows for the team to run the ball and control the clock.

Last words, LT is still an elite RB in the NFL. If they Chargers get rid of him, they are going to severly regret it when he goes to a team like New England or even Denver (who can make a pay phone operator a star, see Tatum Bell). If he leaves, it will be the collapse and downfall of one of the most talented and prolific teams in the NFL.

1-14-2009 @ 11:58PM

james said...

The chargers will not even get back to the playoffs thanks in part to smitth. Norvie should be the one to go along with smith who refuses to admit he has made a mistake in the coaches spot. The first you for Norv still was martyies team this year was his and look at the differenace. Maybe denvers x coach would work better. The only thing I know is this duo f smith and norv is proving to not work so the chargers will be losers again and again until the leave.

1-14-2009 @ 11:59PM

Dre, you are aware that he has misses ONE regular season game in his career, aren't you? Which would put his total games missed including post season games at TWO. WOW, TWO whole games???? Westbrook misses that every year lol And there is nothing you can do about the freak injuries he has suffered in the post season. Do some research man...

1-15-2009 @ 8:19AM

Dolcemark said...

The Giants should explore a trade with the Chargers with Derick Ward and a draft pick to the Chargers for LT.....Ward will be gone anyway, they have Bradshaw and Ware....

1-15-2009 @ 11:39AM

thecapeatpalmbay said...

There is only LT anyway. He should have been ashamed to even let anyone use that nickname. something called RESPECT!

1-18-2009 @ 7:01AM

hrrecruitmis said...

There is only one LT - LAWRENCE TAYLOR

Come up with another name for your running back.

Don't slight the greatest defensive player of all time.

2-02-2009 @ 9:43PM

Cheri said...

I'd have to agree!!
There is only one LT - LAWRENCE TAYLOR

1-31-2009 @ 3:40AM

rashee wallace said...

lt sucks what about ray lewis more imprtant players to a team

2-02-2009 @ 9:40PM

As long as he doesn't come to Denver, he's overrated anyway. At least this season...

2-04-2009 @ 8:13PM

elijahelijahg said...

what LT out it it doesnt make since

2-14-2009 @ 4:29PM

rjcharles76 said...

they shoudent trade LT. this season wasnt the best thought sure there is some up and down not everybody had a great such as brett favre know as the best ever

2-16-2009 @ 12:11PM

Angel said...

Tomlinson is good running back, not great but good. Tomlinson is also a big cry baby. He cried about that the Chargers have forgotton what he has done in the past. The Chargers do remember that as well as him being hurt in crucial games. Now, the Chargers is a business and they are going to make a business decision. One more thing, stop calling him LT. There is only one LT, LAWRENCE TAYLOR