LT likely playing final season with Chargers (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson is "likely" playing his last season for the Chargers.

Tomlinson can no longer create on his own, lacks burst to the outside, and isn't a passing-game asset. The Chargers almost certainly won't exercise his $2M roster bonus next March, despite his "hero" status in San Diego. They're a good bet to use a first-day pick on a running back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Nov. 10 - 10:59 pm et

Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

I'm guessing that SD drafts a RB high in 2010 draft. They like Sproles, but how much do they "really" like him as an every down back?

I'm guessing LT2 is finished and will retire.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Kevin Acee?? he's been wrong about everythign to do with LT since this past offseason.

that being said 2million is too much for him and he will have to play for much less

And they will be drafting a RB next year as well.

 

[perry147]

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson is "likely" playing his last season for the Chargers.Tomlinson can no longer create on his own, lacks burst to the outside, and isn't a passing-game asset. The Chargers almost certainly won't exercise his $2M roster bonus next March, despite his "hero" status in San Diego. They're a good bet to use a first-day pick on a running back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Nov. 10 - 10:59 pm etSource: San Diego Union-Tribune I'm guessing that SD drafts a RB high in 2010 draft. They like Sproles, but how much do they "really" like him as an every down back?I'm guessing LT2 is finished and will retire.

I figured this out a few weeks ago, they either draft a RB or sign a free agent. Either way their is going to be new blood in SD backfield news year.Anyone have a list of FA RB for next year?

 

[Moniker]

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson is "likely" playing his last season for the Chargers.Tomlinson can no longer create on his own, lacks burst to the outside, and isn't a passing-game asset. The Chargers almost certainly won't exercise his $2M roster bonus next March, despite his "hero" status in San Diego. They're a good bet to use a first-day pick on a running back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Nov. 10 - 10:59 pm etSource: San Diego Union-Tribune I'm guessing that SD drafts a RB high in 2010 draft. They like Sproles, but how much do they "really" like him as an every down back?I'm guessing LT2 is finished and will retire.

I figured this out a few weeks ago, they either draft a RB or sign a free agent. Either way their is going to be new blood in SD backfield news year.Anyone have a list of FA RB for next year?

Ronnie Brown might be, McGahee probably will be. Pierre Thomas is restricted.Hell, maybe I was wrong before and they just sign LJ to an incentive-based contract to fill in the gap for next season.

 

[perry147]

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson is "likely" playing his last season for the Chargers.Tomlinson can no longer create on his own, lacks burst to the outside, and isn't a passing-game asset. The Chargers almost certainly won't exercise his $2M roster bonus next March, despite his "hero" status in San Diego. They're a good bet to use a first-day pick on a running back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Nov. 10 - 10:59 pm etSource: San Diego Union-Tribune I'm guessing that SD drafts a RB high in 2010 draft. They like Sproles, but how much do they "really" like him as an every down back?I'm guessing LT2 is finished and will retire.

I figured this out a few weeks ago, they either draft a RB or sign a free agent. Either way their is going to be new blood in SD backfield news year.Anyone have a list of FA RB for next year?

Ronnie Brown might be, McGahee probably will be. Pierre Thomas is restricted.Hell, maybe I was wrong before and they just sign LJ to an incentive-based contract to fill in the gap for next season.

LT is done and done like Shawn Alexander not like Dillon.Why sign him?

 

[Da Guru]

Mike Bell

 

[Godsbrother]

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson is "likely" playing his last season for the Chargers.Tomlinson can no longer create on his own, lacks burst to the outside, and isn't a passing-game asset. The Chargers almost certainly won't exercise his $2M roster bonus next March, despite his "hero" status in San Diego. They're a good bet to use a first-day pick on a running back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Nov. 10 - 10:59 pm etSource: San Diego Union-Tribune I'm guessing that SD drafts a RB high in 2010 draft. They like Sproles, but how much do they "really" like him as an every down back?I'm guessing LT2 is finished and will retire.

I figured this out a few weeks ago, they either draft a RB or sign a free agent. Either way their is going to be new blood in SD backfield news year.Anyone have a list of FA RB for next year?

Ronnie Brown might be, McGahee probably will be. Pierre Thomas is restricted.Hell, maybe I was wrong before and they just sign LJ to an incentive-based contract to fill in the gap for next season.

Add Willie Parker to the 2010 FA RB list

 

[Banger]

do they sniff LJ and give him a test drive this year? AJ isn't above ruffling feathers if he feels it will help the team....

 

[jonessed]

He'll continue to play somewhere. Maybe not in SD, but I don't think he's done. He has certainly lost a step, but his line sucks as well so I think the combination makes him look worse than he actually is.

It's also possible that he re-works his contract again.

 

[Moniker]

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson is "likely" playing his last season for the Chargers.Tomlinson can no longer create on his own, lacks burst to the outside, and isn't a passing-game asset. The Chargers almost certainly won't exercise his $2M roster bonus next March, despite his "hero" status in San Diego. They're a good bet to use a first-day pick on a running back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Nov. 10 - 10:59 pm etSource: San Diego Union-Tribune I'm guessing that SD drafts a RB high in 2010 draft. They like Sproles, but how much do they "really" like him as an every down back?I'm guessing LT2 is finished and will retire.

I figured this out a few weeks ago, they either draft a RB or sign a free agent. Either way their is going to be new blood in SD backfield news year.Anyone have a list of FA RB for next year?

Ronnie Brown might be, McGahee probably will be. Pierre Thomas is restricted.Hell, maybe I was wrong before and they just sign LJ to an incentive-based contract to fill in the gap for next season.

LT is done and done like Shawn Alexander not like Dillon.Why sign him?

??

 

[perry147]

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson is "likely" playing his last season for the Chargers.Tomlinson can no longer create on his own, lacks burst to the outside, and isn't a passing-game asset. The Chargers almost certainly won't exercise his $2M roster bonus next March, despite his "hero" status in San Diego. They're a good bet to use a first-day pick on a running back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Nov. 10 - 10:59 pm etSource: San Diego Union-Tribune I'm guessing that SD drafts a RB high in 2010 draft. They like Sproles, but how much do they "really" like him as an every down back?I'm guessing LT2 is finished and will retire.

I figured this out a few weeks ago, they either draft a RB or sign a free agent. Either way their is going to be new blood in SD backfield news year.Anyone have a list of FA RB for next year?

Ronnie Brown might be, McGahee probably will be. Pierre Thomas is restricted.Hell, maybe I was wrong before and they just sign LJ to an incentive-based contract to fill in the gap for next season.

LT is done and done like Shawn Alexander not like Dillon.Why sign him?

??

LT = LJ

 

[Tau837]

It's a tough spot Smith has put himself and the Chargers in. First, here is LT's contract information:

3/10/2009: Signed a three-year, $17.875 million contract. The deal contains $7.725 million guaranteed, including a $2.875 million signing bonus and $1 million of his second-year salary. Another $2 million is available through yardage-based incentives in 2010. 2009: $3.825 million, 2010: $3 million (+ $2 million roster bonus due in March), 2011: $6.15 million, 2012: Free Agent

So they still have an outstanding cap charge of $1.92M (remaining amortized signing bonus) + $1M (the guaranteed portion of his 2010 salary). So cutting him this offseason means they take a $2.92M cap hit, as compared to a $5.96M cap hit if they keep him on the roster for 2010 (includes one year of the signing bonus, but no incentives). So they save $3M on the cap next year if they cut him before the roster bonus. It's probably not worth paying the extra $3M to keep him mostly for nostalgic reasons now that his performance has declined.However, if he renegotiated his contract and the roster bonus were to go away, and he just made the scheduled $3M for next year, then there would be less than $1M in cap savings in cutting him... which could mean they'd keep him. I'm not sure how likely he is to completely forego that bonus, but he'd have to ask himself what his market will look like if he is cut. That is, is he likely to get paid more than $3M by someone else? And will it be enough of a difference to leave San Diego?

Playing into this is what will happen with Sproles. Sproles was tagged last offseason and is currently playing under a one-year, $6.621 million contract. Despite LT's struggles this year, San Diego has not really turned to Sproles to give him a serious look as a runner. Sproles is having a good year as a returner and as a receiver... but I'm not sure he is really worth the $6.6M he is making given how little they are using him - 74 touches on offense in 8 games, despite the fact that LT missed two games. I think Sproles is a dynamic receiver, but the Chargers have a good receiving group even without him, so I suspect Sproles will be gone next year, unless he is willing to sign a multi-year contract for considerably less than he is making right now. I do think that is possible, since like LT I doubt other teams will be interested in paying him close to what he is making right now to be a returner and receiver, and I don't know why any team would be confident enough in him as a runner to sign him to a larger role.

If Sproles is gone and LT reduces or waives his roster bonus to stay in San Diego, I could see LT becoming a third down RB and the Chargers drafting a RB early to be the main guy in a committee.

If LT will not reduce or waive his roster bonus, I could see him getting cut and Sproles staying at a reduced rate to continue his returner/receiver role. Again, the Chargers would presumably need to draft a RB early to be the main guy in a committee.

I expect one of the two scenarios above to be what happens, but it's possible that both LT and Sproles will be gone. That would virtually force the Chargers to go RB in the first round.

Smith has not been typically inclined to sign free agents to step in and start at key positions. I don't really see him going the free agent route. I think a trade would be more likely than a free agent, and using the draft is the most likely outcome.

 

[hoopvillian]

Man I hope they get a chance at getting Dwyer next season.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

I think they'll have a shot at Dwyer. I just don't know that they shouldn't address OL first however.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I think they'll have a shot at Dwyer. I just don't know that they shouldn't address OL first however.

IMO, grab DL/OL then look to get a RB in round 2/3 depending on who or what is available.

 

[cstu]

He'll continue to play somewhere. Maybe not in SD, but I don't think he's done. He has certainly lost a step, but his line sucks as well so I think the combination makes him look worse than he actually is.It's also possible that he re-works his contract again.

As much as I've wanted him to retire as a Charger, he's gone next year. They are going to bring in a RB regardless and there's no reason for them to pay LT. I don't believe LT is done but he's needs a decent OL now and can't make something out of nothing anymore.

 

[BigA]

Top 5 RB's EVER....BUT HE IS DONE, THROUGH, FINISHED....and frankly a HORRIBLE fantasy option.

NO speed, no cut, no strength, etc....

I watched the demise of Walter Payton and I remember vividly.... the SAME thing is happening now w/ LT. It is sad but true.

RIP LT, you were as good as it gets running the ball.

 

[Liquid Tension]

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson is "likely" playing his last season for the Chargers.Tomlinson can no longer create on his own, lacks burst to the outside, and isn't a passing-game asset. The Chargers almost certainly won't exercise his $2M roster bonus next March, despite his "hero" status in San Diego. They're a good bet to use a first-day pick on a running back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Nov. 10 - 10:59 pm etSource: San Diego Union-Tribune I'm guessing that SD drafts a RB high in 2010 draft. They like Sproles, but how much do they "really" like him as an every down back?I'm guessing LT2 is finished and will retire.

LT2 is not as good as he was, but he can still play. Not an asset in the passing game is simply because they use Sproles. Do you think he all of a sudden can't catch? The issue with the running attack is more the fault of the SD line being awful at run blocking. Sproles has looked worse than LT2 as a RB. If he were on a team like the Jets, he would look good.

 

[jurb26]

I don't see why he should leave SD. That's not to say that SD shouldn't and wont draft a highly touted RB to replace him. But given his cost to the team and his ability (granted it's fading) I would think they could easily draft a top tier RB and have both on the roster.

 

[Zoomanji]

In before all the people who think Hester/ Sproles will be the guys

What happened to all the Hester guys?

Looks like a high pick for a RB

 

[bigbrownbag]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.

And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...

Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

 

[perry147]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

Fix the OL before signing SJax GM.A good OL can hide many things.

 

[DanFouts]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

Sad to say...but they need Michael Turner....

 

[FUBAR]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

perhaps. Or you could have been the Vikings GM in the late 80s.

 

[Banger]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

Ya, I don't think that's happening.

 

[FUBAR]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

Sad to say...but they need Michael Turner....

absolutely crazy that they willingly gave up both the top QB in the NFL and one of the premier backs.

 

[nutssfan]

What about Michael Turn........??? oh......nevermind.

 

[Dragon1952]

Chargers will sign DeAngelo Williams in the off-season.

 

[Moniker]

It really doesn't matter who their RB is until they fix their offensive line.

 

[perry147]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

Sad to say...but they need Michael Turner....

absolutely crazy that they willingly gave up both the top QB in the NFL and one of the premier backs.

Rivers is also turning into a top NFL QB.If they traded LT and kept Turner the publicity against the trade would have been HUGE - like Montana going to the Chiefs level. people would have said that LT was the face of the franchise and how could management turn their back on him after struggling a bit.

 

[Tau837]

Chargers will sign DeAngelo Williams in the off-season.

Williams is not a free agent after this season... he's under contract through the 2010 season.

 

[Dragon1952]

Chargers will sign DeAngelo Williams in the off-season.

Williams is not a free agent after this season... he's under contract through the 2010 season.

My bad. I woulda sworn

 

[DropKick]

Add Willie Parker to the 2010 FA RB list

Free Willie Parker?I know, I know... wrong on several levels.

 

[DropKick]

Chargers will sign DeAngelo Williams in the off-season.

Williams is not a free agent after this season... he's under contract through the 2010 season.

One would think the Panthers might benefit from moving DWil or Stewart.Another guy the Chargers could target is Choice. Seems like a talent but still 3rd on the depth chart.

 

[cstu]

No stud RB's but quite a few good FA RB's who would work in RBBC and could be had for a reasonable price. I don't see a need to use a 1st on RB next year.

 

[Tex Goldstein]

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson is "likely" playing his last season for the Chargers.Tomlinson can no longer create on his own, lacks burst to the outside, and isn't a passing-game asset. The Chargers almost certainly won't exercise his $2M roster bonus next March, despite his "hero" status in San Diego. They're a good bet to use a first-day pick on a running back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Nov. 10 - 10:59 pm etSource: San Diego Union-Tribune I'm guessing that SD drafts a RB high in 2010 draft. They like Sproles, but how much do they "really" like him as an every down back?I'm guessing LT2 is finished and will retire.

I figured this out a few weeks ago, they either draft a RB or sign a free agent. Either way their is going to be new blood in SD backfield news year.Anyone have a list of FA RB for next year?

Ronnie Brown might be, McGahee probably will be. Pierre Thomas is restricted.Hell, maybe I was wrong before and they just sign LJ to an incentive-based contract to fill in the gap for next season.

not sure on this, but johnson has been less-than-impressivce behind a poor OL in KC - why would the Chargers want another broken down RB in the fold?

 

[cstu]

Michael Bush might be available for a reasonable price since 2010 is the final year of his contract.

 

[Ozymandias]

Frankly, I'm surprised they don't use him more in the passing game. IIRC, he caught more than 100 passes one year back when.

Oooops, sorry. He caught EXACTLY 100 passes in 2003.

 

[FUBAR]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

Sad to say...but they need Michael Turner....

absolutely crazy that they willingly gave up both the top QB in the NFL and one of the premier backs.

Rivers is also turning into a top NFL QB.If they traded LT and kept Turner the publicity against the trade would have been HUGE - like Montana going to the Chiefs level. people would have said that LT was the face of the franchise and how could management turn their back on him after struggling a bit.

I know and agree, but you have to admit for one team to have lost both of those guys is pretty striking.Maybe it's a testament to their scouting and development capability.

 

[Blackjacks]

No stud RB's but quite a few good FA RB's who would work in RBBC and could be had for a reasonable price. I don't see a need to use a 1st on RB next year.

I tell you what. Out of that list I think Chester Taylor would be a great 2-3 year fill in for the franchise.Any thoughts about Reggie Bush possible getting traded to a team like SD.

New Orleans is paying him alot money for how much he is being involved in the offense.

He isn't a great rb but he would be a good option in that spread offense in SD

just a thought

Stewart for Carolina would be a nice option also but would require a hefty trade price

 

[Gr00vus]

Unless LaDainian plays for less than he's scheduled to make I don't see the Chargers spending the money on him. They'll probably make an offer to Sproles, but I imagine Sproles wants to have a shot at being an every down back and there's probably a team out there that would give him a shot at it.

Hester isn't the answer.

A.J. has yet to spend any real money in FA, and I don't think he'll start doing so with running backs - the shortest lived position in the game.

I doubt he spends a 1st rounder unless some serious value slips to wherever the Chargers will be drafting (probably 16th or lower). They have to address the lines 1st for a running back they'd be likely to get to have success so I think that's where he goes. I wouldn't be surprised to see him wait until the third to take an RB - I think he thinks he can find another Michael Turner that way and not have to pay him much.

Keep in mind the offense is working pretty well with the RBs they have now. Even a lateral move talent wise at RB that saves the team money will be a win for the Chargers.

 

[menobrown]

Michael Bush might be available for a reasonable price since 2010 is the final year of his contract.

They already have Hester to play FB.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

Sad to say...but they need Michael Turner....

absolutely crazy that they willingly gave up both the top QB in the NFL and one of the premier backs.

Rivers is also turning into a top NFL QB.

True, but the Chargers window to win it all appears to have been when Rivers was not quite as great as he is now. In other words, had they kept Brees, who knows what happens? The might very well have won the Super Bowl following the '06 season. Obviously, we will never know, but letting Turner go is a huge mistake they might not be able to live down.

 

[Banger]

Michael Bush might be available for a reasonable price since 2010 is the final year of his contract.

maybe they should go after Fargas instead I'm surprised how poorly Bush has played this year.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

I have no doubt they will draft a running back next year. I also have no doubt they will draft either O-Line or D-Line prior to a RB.

 

[perry147]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

Sad to say...but they need Michael Turner....

absolutely crazy that they willingly gave up both the top QB in the NFL and one of the premier backs.

Rivers is also turning into a top NFL QB.

True, but the Chargers window to win it all appears to have been when Rivers was not quite as great as he is now. In other words, had they kept Brees, who knows what happens? The might very well have won the Super Bowl following the '06 season. Obviously, we will never know, but letting Turner go is a huge mistake they might not be able to live down.

I wonder if there were any politics at play when LT was kept instead of Turner.

 

[Devilsden2001]

Top 5 RB's EVER....BUT HE IS DONE, THROUGH, FINISHED....and frankly a HORRIBLE fantasy option.NO speed, no cut, no strength, etc....I watched the demise of Walter Payton and I remember vividly.... the SAME thing is happening now w/ LT. It is sad but true. RIP LT, you were as good as it gets running the ball.

Welcome to the New England Patriots LT!!!!

 

[pollardsvision]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

Sad to say...but they need Michael Turner....

absolutely crazy that they willingly gave up both the top QB in the NFL and one of the premier backs.

Rivers is also turning into a top NFL QB.If they traded LT and kept Turner the publicity against the trade would have been HUGE - like Montana going to the Chiefs level. people would have said that LT was the face of the franchise and how could management turn their back on him after struggling a bit.

I think that's one of the differences between smart/strong organizations and weaker ones.There are a few things strong/smart organizations don't generally do.1. Allow a fear of a public backlash cause them to make bad football decisions.2. Sign aging RBs to multi-year deals with good bonus money.(3. Hire Norv Turner as a head coach)You either do what the Colts did (let someone else overpay Edge, draft a rookie, win a Super Bowl) or what the Patriots generally do (wait until the older, overpaid RB becomes a cap casualty, sign him on the cheap, repeat yearly).Team's can't afford to be inefficient with the cap and there's nothing less efficient than using a good chunk of it on an old RB. I think most team's fans would be understanding of that.

 

[Tau837]

I have been saying this all season. If I am the Chargers I give whatever it takes to get Steven Jackson from the Rams.And I mean WHATEVER it takes... this team is ready to win now, as is Mr Jackson...Maybe thats why I am not a GM.

Sad to say...but they need Michael Turner....

absolutely crazy that they willingly gave up both the top QB in the NFL and one of the premier backs.

Rivers is also turning into a top NFL QB.If they traded LT and kept Turner the publicity against the trade would have been HUGE - like Montana going to the Chiefs level. people would have said that LT was the face of the franchise and how could management turn their back on him after struggling a bit.

I think that's one of the differences between smart/strong organizations and weaker ones.There are a few things strong/smart organizations don't generally do.1. Allow a fear of a public backlash cause them to make bad football decisions.2. Sign aging RBs to multi-year deals with good bonus money.(3. Hire Norv Turner as a head coach)You either do what the Colts did (let someone else overpay Edge, draft a rookie, win a Super Bowl) or what the Patriots generally do (wait until the older, overpaid RB becomes a cap casualty, sign him on the cheap, repeat yearly).Team's can't afford to be inefficient with the cap and there's nothing less efficient than using a good chunk of it on an old RB. I think most team's fans would be understanding of that.

So if Peyton Manning's performance declines to the point that he is below average, but still wants to keep playing, do you think the Colts should let him go? Do you think they would let him go in that scenario? After all, you are portraying the Colts as a strong organization. My point is, comparing LT to Edge is apples and oranges. A better comparison is LT to Manning.

 

[Gr00vus]

I wonder if there were any politics at play when LT was kept instead of Turner.

Go back and look at the year Tomlinson had when they let Turner go, think about what he's meant to the Charger organization, then tell me about politics. No way could they afford to keep both, no way was it going to be Tomlinson who left town.The more questionable move was drafting Rivers when they already had Brees. If you're a top flight personnel guy you need to know what you have there. This in no way is meant to indicate that Rivers isn't a very good QB, but the salary/roster hit that resulted probably has set the team back in the long run. Hindsight