LaDainian Tomlinson likely to be cut by March 5th (1 Viewer)

[gianmarco]

(Rotoworld) Beat writer Kevin Acee expects the Chargers to release LaDainian Tomlinson before his $2 million roster bonus comes due on March 5.Analysis: This is hardly a surprise. The Chargers "don't seem inclined" to pay Tomlinson's full $5 million salary for 2010. Both sides have indicated that they're not interested in restructuring a deal that had already been reworked once. The Chargers need to fix a broken running game, and a declining Tomlinson clearly isn't part of the solution.

Is this Sproles job? Do they bring in a FA? Do they draft someone? Where does LT end up? Seems this should help Sproles value some in dynasty leagues, but who knows if they plan on using him more than they have up until this point.

 

[gorf]

i'd guess they take a rookie RB pretty high to pair with sproles. do they have any other glaring needs?

 

[gianmarco]

They have the 1.28 pick. I wonder if they use that high of a pick on a RB.....

 

[hostile]

i'd guess they take a rookie RB pretty high to pair with sproles.

I have seen quite a few rookie mocks with Dwyer going to SD, but take that with a bucket of salt.

do they have any other glaring needs?

Right side of their Oline.

 

[Buckna]

What is the deadline for them to negotiate a new contract with Sproles or decide to Franchise him again? Franchising him a 2nd year in a row would be expensive.

 

[kylechoffman]

I really wish he would just stay put. He's made enough, hes could fill more of an inspirational leader role and retire with the team. Why go play with people you dont know in a system you dont know?

Anyhow, me thinks they find their RB in the draft. If they keep sproles around, hes there change of pace type, they have a young fullback and they just need to find a 2 carry rb in the draft.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

They cannot go into 2010 with Sproles as their main back. He's horrible running between the tackles. The UFA class is a wasteland at RB as well. SD would seem primed to take at least one RB in this draft, maybe two. Mathews and Blount?

 

[DevilDog919]

I really wish he would just stay put. He's made enough, hes could fill more of an inspirational leader role and retire with the team. Why go play with people you dont know in a system you dont know? Anyhow, me thinks they find their RB in the draft. If they keep sproles around, hes there change of pace type, they have a young fullback and they just need to find a 2 carry rb in the draft.

It's very similar to Brett Favre and many other great players that were told by their respective teams that they were "losing a step". LT does not think he is losing anything, and wants to go somewhere else where he will be given a shot to be the lead RB. I'm sure he knows if he restructures, that SD's plan would be to bring in another RB or give Sproles a bigger workload. Its about the drive to be the greatest, and LT has that drive. I dont think its about the money at all.

 

[trader jake]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.

Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

 

[Statorama]

Got a weird feeling he's going to be the starting tailback for the Chicago Bears new Mike Martz offense.

 

[kylechoffman]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

Do you think any of those franchises will pay him the money he seems to think he's owed? I dont think he goes to a team like the chiefs. Eagles or steelers caliber team makes sense but I would think the steelers are comfortable with Mendy and Mccoy is a bright spot for the Birds. Imagine if he went to the Pats (Seau, Harrison).

 

[EBF]

Dwyer or Mathews with the 28th pick. Whoever falls.

If neither is available, they'll take a big back in the 2nd-3rd.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I could see em adding McGahee, and I know they almost traded for Michael Bush 2 years ago but Al didnt want to do a divisional trade.

IMO if LT doesnt take a pay cut, hes gone and then you almost have to draft a RB at 1.28 and maybe move up to get Mathews or Dwyer

other needs:

RT

DT/DE

ILB

A clutch Kicker

 

[Canadian Content]

Perhaps they try and trade for M.Bush again

 

[Cawbird]

Maybe they can give up the farm (in picks) and try to pry DeAngelo away from the Panthers!!!!!

D. Williams dynasty owner here so I am going to keep "the dream" alive until it doesn't happen.

 

[EBF]

They could also talk to the Cowboys about Choice or Barber.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Maybe they can give up the farm (in picks) and try to pry DeAngelo away from the Panthers!!!!! D. Williams dynasty owner here so I am going to keep "the dream" alive until it doesn't happen.

Have you seen the Chargers Oline run block? As a Deangelo owner I dont want him going anywhere

 

[Dave Larkin]

I can see the Chargers getting a back from another team in the 26-28 range age-wise and then drafting one in the 2nd/3rd round. That should bridge them nicely from the veteran to the rookie. It's comparable to the Thomas Jones/Shonn Greene situation.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

Do you think any of those franchises will pay him the money he seems to think he's owed? I dont think he goes to a team like the chiefs. Eagles or steelers caliber team makes sense but I would think the steelers are comfortable with Mendy and Mccoy is a bright spot for the Birds. Imagine if he went to the Pats (Seau, Harrison).

It will be very interesting to see which team signs him. Some LT2 fun facts:In his last 977 touches he hasn't hit a play over 50 yards. That spans 3 years. Over the last 3 seasons his yards per carry have gone down in each successive season. 4.7, 3.8, 3.2 respectively. Of his 243 touches this season 6 went for 20 yards or more. (3 of which were either 20 or 21 yards)Basically, LT has hit the wall. He was the best back in the league for quite a while, but he's done now. 3400+ touches will do that. A lot of people say Larry Johnson had too many miles on him. He doesn't have 1600 touches yet. LT2 is more than double that. So who is going to sign a RB that will be 31 next season with 3400+ carries under his belt, and a 3.2 average last season? Did I mention he's going to want millions?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

Do you think any of those franchises will pay him the money he seems to think he's owed? I dont think he goes to a team like the chiefs. Eagles or steelers caliber team makes sense but I would think the steelers are comfortable with Mendy and Mccoy is a bright spot for the Birds. Imagine if he went to the Pats (Seau, Harrison).

It will be very interesting to see which team signs him. Some LT2 fun facts:In his last 977 touches he hasn't hit a play over 50 yards. That spans 3 years. Over the last 3 seasons his yards per carry have gone down in each successive season. 4.7, 3.8, 3.2 respectively. Of his 243 touches this season 6 went for 20 yards or more. (3 of which were either 20 or 21 yards)Basically, LT has hit the wall. He was the best back in the league for quite a while, but he's done now. 3400+ touches will do that. A lot of people say Larry Johnson had too many miles on him. He doesn't have 1600 touches yet. LT2 is more than double that. So who is going to sign a RB that will be 31 next season with 3400+ carries under his belt, and a 3.2 average last season? Did I mention he's going to want millions?

The answer - No one. Except SD on the cheap. Kills me but this is shawn alexander type collapse

 

[Phurfur]

I really wish he would just stay put. He's made enough, hes could fill more of an inspirational leader role and retire with the team. Why go play with people you dont know in a system you dont know? Anyhow, me thinks they find their RB in the draft. If they keep sproles around, hes there change of pace type, they have a young fullback and they just need to find a 2 carry rb in the draft.

It's very similar to Brett Favre and many other great players that were told by their respective teams that they were "losing a step". LT does not think he is losing anything, and wants to go somewhere else where he will be given a shot to be the lead RB. I'm sure he knows if he restructures, that SD's plan would be to bring in another RB or give Sproles a bigger workload. Its about the drive to be the greatest, and LT has that drive. I dont think its about the money at all.

I think a better example would be "Edge".

 

[tjford]

I think the Bolts go after Chester Taylor. SD is the one place where Taylor could get first string carries. Also opens SD up to try and bring along a couple later round RBs to take over in a year or two.

 

[Gr00vus]

I'm not sure what picks the Chargers have this year, but A.J. like to take shots at running backs later in the draft - say 3rd round or so. That's what I'd expect here again, I think he'll go elsewhere early in the draft. They'll sign a FA or two as well. They could see what Chester Taylor has in the tank, though he's 30. Maybe put in an offer on a guy like Harrison, Ronnie Brown, Bell, maybe LenDale White. Brown will probably be too expensive, maybe Harrison too but who knows. They could roll the dice with Snelling - can't imagine he'd give the Chargers less than LaDainian did this year.

I wouldn't be shocked to see the Pats show some interest in LaDainian. He seems like a typical reclamation RB project for them. Wouldn't that be interesting?

 

[Kit Fisto]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

Do you think any of those franchises will pay him the money he seems to think he's owed? I dont think he goes to a team like the chiefs. Eagles or steelers caliber team makes sense but I would think the steelers are comfortable with Mendy and Mccoy is a bright spot for the Birds. Imagine if he went to the Pats (Seau, Harrison).

I'd be floored if Belichick brought him in here after the fallout from the "Lights Out Dance on your logo" fiasco.

 

[Gr00vus]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

Do you think any of those franchises will pay him the money he seems to think he's owed? I dont think he goes to a team like the chiefs. Eagles or steelers caliber team makes sense but I would think the steelers are comfortable with Mendy and Mccoy is a bright spot for the Birds. Imagine if he went to the Pats (Seau, Harrison).

I'd be floored if Belichick brought him in here after the fallout from the "Lights Out Dance on your logo" fiasco.

I wouldn't - BB doesn't care about that stuff. If he thinks he can still play and the price is right I'm sure he'd love to have LaDainian. I don't think LaDainian can play much anymore so it's probably moot.

 

[H.K.]

(Rotoworld) Beat writer Kevin Acee expects the Chargers to release LaDainian Tomlinson before his $2 million roster bonus comes due on March 5.Analysis: This is hardly a surprise. The Chargers "don't seem inclined" to pay Tomlinson's full $5 million salary for 2010. Both sides have indicated that they're not interested in restructuring a deal that had already been reworked once. The Chargers need to fix a broken running game, and a declining Tomlinson clearly isn't part of the solution.

Is this Sproles job? Do they bring in a FA? Do they draft someone? Where does LT end up? Seems this should help Sproles value some in dynasty leagues, but who knows if they plan on using him more than they have up until this point.

I posted this in another thread:Sproles was RB 27 in PPR last year with LT in town and he did it with less than 30% of the backfield touches. The interesitng thing was to look at his production based on an interesting statistical split above and below seven touches per game:In the nine games when he received 7 or more touches, he averaged 15.3 PPG in PPR, which would have been good for the #13 PPG among RB's last year...however......in the other seven games he had six or fewer touches and only averaged 4.8 PPG. I'll break out the distribution further:Sproles' Per Game Average with 7+ touches:8.8 rushes3.3 recepts73 Total Yards.77 TDSproles' Per Game Average with 6 or fewer touches:2 Carries2.1 Recepts27 Total Yards0 TDWhile it seems likely that the Chargers bring in a guy to start and get the bulk of the work, there could still be a pretty decent chunk of work ahead for Sproles. Even if Sproles only gets 40% of the RB touches for SD in 2010, that will be over 50 touches more than he had last year. Those extra 50 touches mean he would be getting 10-12 touches every week, and as shown above, he put up some pretty good FF numbers when he had that level of opportunity.We'll see how this one shakes out, but Sproles is certainly one to keep an eye on.

 

[Gr00vus]

While it seems likely that the Chargers bring in a guy to start and get the bulk of the work, there could still be a pretty decent chunk of work ahead for Sproles. Even if Sproles only gets 40% of the RB touches for SD in 2010, that will be over 50 touches more than he had last year. Those extra 50 touches mean he would be getting 10-12 touches every week, and as shown above, he put up some pretty good FF numbers when he had that level of opportunity.

That assumes Sproles will stay in S.D. which I'm not so sure of. He wants a shot at a full time job, and if someone will give it to him he'll go.

 

[Couch Potato]

LT will end up in Detroit, Philly, or New England.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

LT will end up in Detroit, Philly, or New England.

I think the Philly and NE front offices are far to smart........ so that leaves Detroit!

 

[H.K.]

While it seems likely that the Chargers bring in a guy to start and get the bulk of the work, there could still be a pretty decent chunk of work ahead for Sproles. Even if Sproles only gets 40% of the RB touches for SD in 2010, that will be over 50 touches more than he had last year. Those extra 50 touches mean he would be getting 10-12 touches every week, and as shown above, he put up some pretty good FF numbers when he had that level of opportunity.

That assumes Sproles will stay in S.D. which I'm not so sure of. He wants a shot at a full time job, and if someone will give it to him he'll go.

Right, and of course there is this:

(Rotoworld) With no collective bargaining agreement in sight, Darren Sproles is due a 10 percent raise on the $6.6 million he earned in 2009.Analysis: The Chargers have five big-name players -- and 12 players total -- who stand to be restricted free agents this offseason. GM A.J. Smith will have to pony up $7.3M to keep Sproles for one more season before he hits free agency. He'll be an expensive luxury as a passing-down back and return specialist.

but from what I've seen (at least publicly), Smith seems to like him:

"Darren is not small," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith told ESPN.com earlier this week. "He's really just short. I would also say strong and powerful. "Usually, we judge players by height and weight, but Darren is exceptional. He has that initial quickness and the ability to change direction on a dime and maintain his speed and explosiveness. When you see those little legs going a thousand miles a minute, it's amazing."

Sproles averages 4.5 YPC and 10.1 YPR for his career, and from a football standpoint, he is certainly a nice weapon for SD to get the ball to 10+ times a game from LOS.Then there was the Jet playoff loss where LT had 24 yards on 15 touches while Sproles had 63 yards on six touches. We'll see....

 

[Couch Potato]

LT will end up in Detroit, Philly, or New England.

I think the Philly and NE front offices are far to smart........ so that leaves Detroit!

A couple of reasons for those guesses. Pats have a history of bringing in vets with a couple years left, did so with the RB from Cincy (my tired brain isn't recalling his name!!). And in Philly, Reid always liked using a pair of backs, and only stopped doing that when Westbrook became so good. Remember Staley and CBuck? McCoy can't do it alone and it looks like Westbrook is moving on.Anyway, who knows. Someone will give him a shot and will hope he can be a Thomas Jones instead of a Shawn Alexander after 30.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

New England

Washington

Cleveland

Houston

NY Giants

Miami

Cincinnati if Johnson isn't around.

Most of those teams will at least give him a tryout IMO, unless he gets signed by one of them quickly.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

I think the Bolts go after Chester Taylor. SD is the one place where Taylor could get first string carries. Also opens SD up to try and bring along a couple later round RBs to take over in a year or two.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Taylor would be the #1 RB going into the season and once their top pick RB learns how to put up the blitz since Rivers is THE man in 'Diego, they'd split time.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

New EnglandWashingtonClevelandHoustonNY GiantsMiamiMost of those teams will at least give him a tryout IMO, unless he gets signed by one of them quickly.

Have to say Washington because that's where all retired players go after they played 2-3 years too long. Just ask Bruce Smith and Deion and Archuletta and.........

 

[Dexter Manley]

They could also talk to the Cowboys about Choice or Barber.

Barber is set to make around $4 million next year. I don't see that trade happening, unless he takes a pay cut.Why would Dallas trade Choice? Dude has a dirt cheap contract which is going into its 3rd year.

 

[Banger]

LT will end up in Detroit, Philly, or New England.

I think the Philly and NE front offices are far to smart........ so that leaves Detroit!

A couple of reasons for those guesses. Pats have a history of bringing in vets with a couple years left, did so with the RB from Cincy (my tired brain isn't recalling his name!!). And in Philly, Reid always liked using a pair of backs, and only stopped doing that when Westbrook became so good. Remember Staley and CBuck? McCoy can't do it alone and it looks like Westbrook is moving on.Anyway, who knows. Someone will give him a shot and will hope he can be a Thomas Jones instead of a Shawn Alexander after 30.

Corey Dillon and they also grabbed F. Taylor this year.

 

[QUEZILLA]

I think LT will end up back in SD after they cut him and he realizes he isnt worth #1 money anymore.

 

[Gr00vus]

While it seems likely that the Chargers bring in a guy to start and get the bulk of the work, there could still be a pretty decent chunk of work ahead for Sproles. Even if Sproles only gets 40% of the RB touches for SD in 2010, that will be over 50 touches more than he had last year. Those extra 50 touches mean he would be getting 10-12 touches every week, and as shown above, he put up some pretty good FF numbers when he had that level of opportunity.

That assumes Sproles will stay in S.D. which I'm not so sure of. He wants a shot at a full time job, and if someone will give it to him he'll go.

Right, and of course there is this:

(Rotoworld) With no collective bargaining agreement in sight, Darren Sproles is due a 10 percent raise on the $6.6 million he earned in 2009.Analysis: The Chargers have five big-name players -- and 12 players total -- who stand to be restricted free agents this offseason. GM A.J. Smith will have to pony up $7.3M to keep Sproles for one more season before he hits free agency. He'll be an expensive luxury as a passing-down back and return specialist.

but from what I've seen (at least publicly), Smith seems to like him:

"Darren is not small," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith told ESPN.com earlier this week. "He's really just short. I would also say strong and powerful. "Usually, we judge players by height and weight, but Darren is exceptional. He has that initial quickness and the ability to change direction on a dime and maintain his speed and explosiveness. When you see those little legs going a thousand miles a minute, it's amazing."

Sproles averages 4.5 YPC and 10.1 YPR for his career, and from a football standpoint, he is certainly a nice weapon for SD to get the ball to 10+ times a game from LOS.Then there was the Jet playoff loss where LT had 24 yards on 15 touches while Sproles had 63 yards on six touches. We'll see....

I hope they find a way to keep him, but given some of the higher priorities they have with their free agents I don't know if the money will work out.

 

[Gr00vus]

Would Larry Johnson bring anything to the Chargers that LaDainian can't at this point? Seems like he had some gas left in the tank.

 

[Mikey16x]

I think LT will end up back in SD after they cut him and he realizes he isnt worth #1 money anymore.

In a perfect world. I never get some pro athletes.. they take the fall from grace extremely hard. It's in his best interest to take the pay cut, take the mature leadership role on the team and prolong his career with a steady game check. The minority of players realize when their skills have diminished and accept it gracefully. LT will never EVER be one of those guys, he probably still honestly believes he's a 1500 yd rusher. He needs to analyze what guys have done before him like Jerome Bettis and see that if you just wise up and play a "role" on a team, it's in your best interest.Edit: One of the guys I do believe that is going to "get it" is Portis. He's likely gone from the Skins but I can see him going to a team that already has a young lead back and wants to be the guy that spells him. Portis will probably play another 3-4 years at as a backup/COP.

 

[Sweet Love]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

Trader,Nice calls on Philly and Texans. Philly would be a nice fit because as much as Westie was a pass catching back, he was better than most (of his "type") at running between the tackles and he could be a nice mentor to McCoy. Texans is also a nice call as they could use a nice vet on the offense and he would not have to carry the load.

 

[BoltBacker]

This is a pass-centric team with plenty of quality red zone targets that won 13 games while averaging 3.3y/c last season.

I'd bet some sort of RBBC, whether it's Tomlinson/Sproles/FA/2nd day pick... and it won't really matter. I appreciate Tomlinsons career but he didn't really contribute that much on the field this season. I think there's a good chance he ends up playing for SD again in '10 but if not it won't take much to equal his production. It also wouldn't surprise me if there's a lot of musical RB played around the league before the start of the season. Will both backs be in BUF's new coaching plans? Ryan Grant still in GB? All the NYG RB's stay? Westbrook? Thomas Jones? Portis? Betts? White? Taylor? I think plenty of these guys could gain 3.3+y/c vs defenses geared toward stopping the pass.

Throw the resources(picks/$) at the OL/DL. ILB's and RB's are a need but you can stop gap those relatively inexpensively.

 

[RootDown]

Bring on RFA Pierre Thomas! He's got both the size and the receiving ability that would be perfect for the Chargers. IF Sproles is resigned, he would still be the perfect COP back.

 

[cstu]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

Do you think any of those franchises will pay him the money he seems to think he's owed? I dont think he goes to a team like the chiefs. Eagles or steelers caliber team makes sense but I would think the steelers are comfortable with Mendy and Mccoy is a bright spot for the Birds. Imagine if he went to the Pats (Seau, Harrison).

I'd be floored if Belichick brought him in here after the fallout from the "Lights Out Dance on your logo" fiasco.

And TO pulled a stunt on the Dallas star.

 

[cstu]

I think LT will end up back in SD after they cut him and he realizes he isnt worth #1 money anymore.

In a perfect world. I never get some pro athletes.. they take the fall from grace extremely hard. It's in his best interest to take the pay cut, take the mature leadership role on the team and prolong his career with a steady game check. The minority of players realize when their skills have diminished and accept it gracefully. LT will never EVER be one of those guys, he probably still honestly believes he's a 1500 yd rusher. He needs to analyze what guys have done before him like Jerome Bettis and see that if you just wise up and play a "role" on a team, it's in your best interest.Edit: One of the guys I do believe that is going to "get it" is Portis. He's likely gone from the Skins but I can see him going to a team that already has a young lead back and wants to be the guy that spells him. Portis will probably play another 3-4 years at as a backup/COP.

Bettis was in a completely different situation since he was on very strong running. I doubt any RB wants to run behind the Chargers OL right now.

 

[dickey moe]

Ryan Matthews?

 

[NoGum]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

Do you think any of those franchises will pay him the money he seems to think he's owed? I dont think he goes to a team like the chiefs. Eagles or steelers caliber team makes sense but I would think the steelers are comfortable with Mendy and Mccoy is a bright spot for the Birds. Imagine if he went to the Pats (Seau, Harrison).

I'd be floored if Belichick brought him in here after the fallout from the "Lights Out Dance on your logo" fiasco.

I wouldn't - BB doesn't care about that stuff. If he thinks he can still play and the price is right I'm sure he'd love to have LaDainian. I don't think LaDainian can play much anymore so it's probably moot.

LaDanian bashed the Pats about Spygate as much or more than any other player in the league. He would not be welcome in New England and I doubt LT would ever want to sign in NE.

 

[Kit Fisto]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

Do you think any of those franchises will pay him the money he seems to think he's owed? I dont think he goes to a team like the chiefs. Eagles or steelers caliber team makes sense but I would think the steelers are comfortable with Mendy and Mccoy is a bright spot for the Birds. Imagine if he went to the Pats (Seau, Harrison).

I'd be floored if Belichick brought him in here after the fallout from the "Lights Out Dance on your logo" fiasco.

And TO pulled a stunt on the Dallas star.

TO never called Wade Phillips a cheater or questioned the integrity of the Dallas organization, publicly and repeatedly.Like NoGum above said, he wouldn't be welcomed here.

 

[Instinctive]

Would be really nice, and possible, to see him in Houston

 

[Carver]

This could be one of the most interesting free agents to follow this offseason. Not only would a future 1st ballot Hall of Fame running back be on the market but it opens up the Chargers backfield as well. San Diego can't go with Sproles as a main option, so it looks like money in the bank that A.J. Smith drafts a rookie running back at 1.28 or in the second round. That could make a player like Dwyer a top 2 pick in rookie drafts.Then the question becomes, where would LT go? There were rumors last year that there was mutual interest with New Orleans. What about a divisional rival with a young running back like the Chiefs? Or an organization competing for a title like the Eagles or Steelers to be part of a RBBC? He played college ball in Texas...what about the Texans? That's my early, early pick.

Do you think any of those franchises will pay him the money he seems to think he's owed? I dont think he goes to a team like the chiefs. Eagles or steelers caliber team makes sense but I would think the steelers are comfortable with Mendy and Mccoy is a bright spot for the Birds. Imagine if he went to the Pats (Seau, Harrison).

I'd be floored if Belichick brought him in here after the fallout from the "Lights Out Dance on your logo" fiasco.

And TO pulled a stunt on the Dallas star.

TO never called Wade Phillips a cheater or questioned the integrity of the Dallas organization, publicly and repeatedly.Like NoGum above said, he wouldn't be welcomed here.

I have had this conversation with more than one 20+ years long NE fans... and ALL just about threw up in their mouths at the thought. One of them even said he would stop rooting for them if they signed Complainian. They really, REALLY hate the guy around here. ETA- my vote goes to Houston. if they paid guys like A.Green and C.Brown.... Why not Tomlinson?