Ok..what team does LT land on once/if he is cut (1 Viewer)

[THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA]

Seems pretty obvious they are going to cut LT, they supposedly offered him a lowball contract to restructure and a man of his stature isnt about to play for less than the little guy.

Also seems the Chargers want to looks for there rb of the future in this draft- AJ Smith, dont have the link right now.

So with all that being said...IF/WHEN he is released, what team could he go to, Will he get a lead role somewhere? Will he steal someone's glory like one of the good young starting rb's spot??? What you fellas think?



Here's is my take:

MOST LOGICAL

DENVER BRONCOS- Yeah they have signed every nicknack patty wack runningback that was available this offseason, I can see a nice match here for 2 reasons, The broncos hate the chargers and LT would want to stick it to a division foe, and with a very good O already in place this would seem like and excellent fit.

POSSIBLE

ARIZONA CARDINALS- They brought in the great Emmitt after his glory days but now they are trying to make another run at the SB, seems they will part ways with Edge and leave them thin with only Hightower there, LT is a great all around rb so i can see him landing here as well as they are a good competitive team....

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- This more of a need for the Seahawks, but LT would be given a starters job on a team trying to reidentify itself on offense....with Housh there now they may feel LT makes them back potent on Offense??

UNLIKELY but NEVER KNOW

NEW ENGLAND- Well when they signed Fred who knew LT would becomce available...this the team where its all about getting the right, I dont think any of the NE rb's are in LT's class so this would be an upgrade for them and the LT/FRED combo would be very good for them....

JACKSONVILLE- Would he want to play 2nd fiddle to Drew?? Would the Jags want to have LT take FRED's role and keep Drew's the same as before??? Dunno....

HOUSTON TEXANS- They want to bring in another rb to compliment Slaton, LT is good at the GL but way more than just a complimentary rb....LT could land in a very good improving team and one of the better offenses....???

 

[fsufan]

NE will cut maroney and sign LT, if he is cut

I say he takes the new offer from SD

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Seems pretty obvious they are going to cut LT, they supposedly offered him a lowball contract to restructure and a man of his stature isnt about to play for less than the little guy.

Also seems the Chargers want to looks for there rb of the future in this draft- AJ Smith, dont have the link right now.

So with all that being said...IF/WHEN he is released, what team could he go to, Will he get a lead role somewhere? Will he steal someone's glory like one of the good young starting rb's spot??? What you fellas think?



Here's is my take:

MOST LOGICAL

DENVER BRONCOS- Yeah they have signed every nicknack patty wack runningback that was available this offseason, I can see a nice match here for 2 reasons, The broncos hate the chargers and LT would want to stick it to a division foe, and with a very good O already in place this would seem like and excellent fit.

POSSIBLE

ARIZONA CARDINALS- They brought in the great Emmitt after his glory days but now they are trying to make another run at the SB, seems they will part ways with Edge and leave them thin with only Hightower there, LT is a great all around rb so i can see him landing here as well as they are a good competitive team....

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- This more of a need for the Seahawks, but LT would be given a starters job on a team trying to reidentify itself on offense....with Housh there now they may feel LT makes them back potent on Offense??

UNLIKELY but NEVER KNOW

NEW ENGLAND- Well when they signed Fred who knew LT would becomce available...this the team where its all about getting the right, I dont think any of the NE rb's are in LT's class so this would be an upgrade for them and the LT/FRED combo would be very good for them....

JACKSONVILLE- Would he want to play 2nd fiddle to Drew?? Would the Jags want to have LT take FRED's role and keep Drew's the same as before??? Dunno....

HOUSTON TEXANS- They want to bring in another rb to compliment Slaton, LT is good at the GL but way more than just a complimentary rb....LT could land in a very good improving team and one of the better offenses....???

I like the Denver and Arizona ideas. This popped up on PFT today. Seems like an un necessary luxury for the Saints, but still worth discussing apparently...BREES ADMITS TO RECRUITING L.T. TO N.O.

Posted by Mike Florio on March 8, 2009, 10:48 a.m. EDT

In an interview with XX 1090 AM (via SportsRadioInterviews.com), one of the radio stations in his old stomping grounds of San Diego, Saints quarterback Drew Brees recently addressed the current contract impasse involving the Chargers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

And if Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith ever smiles (then again, he never does), he surely wasn’t smiling after hearing what Brees had to say.

Following what seemed like 20 minutes of Brees talking about nothing that was all that compelling or humorous (with the exception of something about his wife once asking him if he had a sausage in his pocket), Brees addressed L.T.’s status.

As to whether Tomlinson should accept a reduction from the $6.725 million salary that he’s due to earn in 2009, Brees was unequivocal.

“I don’t think he should accept less money from the Chargers at this point,” Brees said, “because look at his track record . . . . Many people could say he had a decline this year, but I disagree with that. He was banged up for the majority of the year, and I think that’s just part of the game at times.

“I mean the guy hasn’t missed one start his entire NFL career, so if you’re going to sit here and tell me he’s, you know, not a durable guy, then you’re crazy. Like I said I think he’s still got a lot of motivation. I think he’s got a lot of fight and fire left in him. And you know he can still be a very productive player. So I don’t see any reason why he should be taking a pay cut at this point.”

So if Tomlinson refuses to take a pay cut, Brees would love to be reunited with his former San Diego teammate.

“I mean, come on, it’s an easy question,” Brees said. “I’d love to have him in New Orleans. I’d love to be his teammate again. I think L.T.’s got a lot of great years left in him so we’ll see what happens.”

Brees also admitted to having conversations with Tomlinson, and that the conversations have touched on L.T.’s status.

And Brees at first became very coy when asked point-blank about whether he has made it known to Tomlinson that Brees would like to have him in New Orleans.

“For me, I’m just waiting for the opportunity if he is available to come and snatch him,” Brees said.

As to the specific issue of whether Brees has shared that sentiment with Tomlinson, Brees was surprisingly candid.

“I think that’s pretty obvious, don’t you think?” Brees said.

Then reminded of the tampering rules, Brees said it was “just two buddies talkin’ on the phone.”

Yeah, and soon it could be two buddies playin’ some football together, again.

 

[fsufan]

Seems pretty obvious they are going to cut LT, they supposedly offered him a lowball contract to restructure and a man of his stature isnt about to play for less than the little guy.

what was the offer? did not see it, just heard they made a finial offer. will sproles make more?

 

[THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA]

Yeah i knew the Saints had some interest, as it was rumored they wanted to trade for him, but they would be spending alot of chedda at the rb position if they tried to add him.

FSUFAN, i dont know what the final offer was either, but its supposed to be low, anything lower than what he would make would put him under Sproles....and i dont think that would sit right with him.

 

[fsufan]

FSUFAN, i dont know what the final offer was either, but its supposed to be low, anything lower than what he would make would put him under Sproles....and i dont think that would sit right with him.

i agree. if it is lower than sporles I say he rejects it, signs with NE and wins a SB

 

[Andy Herron]

Arizona is too cap-strapped to entertain the idea of bringing in LT.

(Maybe they swing a trade for Boldin?)

Otherwise-

I would have to throw Tampa Bay into the mix. Plenty of cap space and obviously restructuring their roster.

LT would be a terrific addition for them in my eyes.

 

[Jackal King]

Seems pretty obvious they are going to cut LT, they supposedly offered him a lowball contract to restructure and a man of his stature isnt about to play for less than the little guy.

what was the offer? did not see it, just heard they made a finial offer. will sproles make more?

From the San Diego Union TribuneStay or go? Decision now in LT's hands

By Kevin Acee

It's been almost two weeks since the Chargers and LaDainian Tomlinson's agent began the back and forth of a contract restructure for the iconic running back.

The back and forth is finished.

This is up to Tomlinson now. It's a matter of whether he wants to play for less money in San Diego.

Information is coming in this saga like water from a drippy faucet. But my understanding is that Tomlinson has the Chargers' final offer.

That offer could be for two years or three years. Whatever it is, it will be for less money than the $24 million he is scheduled to make by 2011. What form the new money takes (signing bonus, roster bonus, incentives) is not known.

We heard Thursday on 1090-AM from Tomlinson's mother that it's not promising Tomlinson will remain a Charger. Even before that, every indication I had gotten privately from those who know Tomlinson was that he was gone.

What does that mean? I have no confidence that I know.

But we do know that at this point it's up to him whether he wants to stay and play for less money.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Arizona is too cap-strapped to entertain the idea of bringing in LT.

(Maybe they swing a trade for Boldin?)

Otherwise-

I would have to throw Tampa Bay into the mix. Plenty of cap space and obviously restructuring their roster.

LT would be a terrific addition for them in my eyes.

Even after they just signed Ward? Graham/Ward seems solid enough at RB (to me at aleast) but you never know. They do have money to spend.Cap aside, Arizona seems like a perfect spot. If the Redskins can find a way to guarantee $60+ million to Haynesworth and Hall when they only had $7M under the cap, some accountant in Arizona should be able to figure out how to get LT paid. Think about that offense with LT in it...scary.

 

[Andy Herron]

Arizona is too cap-strapped to entertain the idea of bringing in LT.

(Maybe they swing a trade for Boldin?)

Otherwise-

I would have to throw Tampa Bay into the mix. Plenty of cap space and obviously restructuring their roster.

LT would be a terrific addition for them in my eyes.

Even after they just signed Ward? Graham/Ward seems solid enough at RB (to me at aleast) but you never know. They do have money to spend.

Whoops. I overlooked the Ward signing. But still, LT would sell tickets and they could trade Graham. I'm not really sure he's all that anyway.

 

[Loopdog]

I don't see him going to New England. He had a lot of harsh words for Belichick a few years back, I wonder if that would be a sticking point or not. If not, then too bad TO didn't sign with New England and then LT went there. It would literally be like a Fantasy Football lineup. Maybe he'll sign in Buffalo haha

 

[THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA]

He wont last long if he is cut....you cna bet some teams will be liking there chops for this STUD.

Probably DEM PATRIOTS....

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Other than the ones mentioned, I think Cleveland and Green Bay could also be possibilities.

 

[FUBAR]

I don't know about cap space and all that, but I'd love to see him as a Colt.

 

[Dave Stauff]

I don't know about cap space and all that, but I'd love to see him as a Colt.

My thought as well . . . he'd be an upgrade over Addai and make that offense extremely difficult to defend (as if it wasn't already)

 

[Eminence]

I don't get it. Everyone on here is acting like LT is still this insanely beastly player. I'm sure if LT was still the player he was before, San Diego wouldn't even dream of cutting him.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

I don't get it. Everyone on here is acting like LT is still this insanely beastly player. I'm sure if LT was still the player he was before, San Diego wouldn't even dream of cutting him.

Maybe, just maybe there's more to it than how much he has left in the tank. I for one believe he could have one or two great years left in him.

 

[Ripleys]

the problem with LT is, we don't know if last year's fall was truly because of his injuries, or he's just hit that wall due to age, and is now SA. :(

 

[moondog]

I don't get it. :( Everyone on here is acting like LT is still this insanely beastly player. I'm sure if LT was still the player he was before, San Diego wouldn't even dream of cutting him.

Maybe, just maybe there's more to it than how much he has left in the tank. I for one believe he could have one or two great years left in him.

I think this is all about what is left in the tank. SD should be in the best position to know. Some RB's lose it very quickly - Eddie George and JamaL Anderson come to mind and I'm sure there are many more examples. I think this is a move SD had to make. I doubt any other team would make him an offer anywhere near what he is due under his current contract. We'll see how it turns out .

 

[Sinrman]

I agree with Brees. LT shouldn't have to accept a pay cut. There are plenty of teams out there that would LOVE to have him on their team and would pay him. NO would be a wonderful place for him to land. Heck, I'd love to see him in AZ with that offense around him...

 

[Chase Stuart]

LT was arguably still a top 10 RB last year, was awesome in '07 and historic in '06. I wonder how much of his decline was due to injury versus age, but he was "only" 29 last year. That's still far from being done for a HOF RB.

He doesn't fumble, he scores touchdowns, he catches the ball and he's a workhorse. He probably lacks the top level now and isn't a game changer, but I think he'd be very good wherever he goes.

 

[David Yudkin]

Don't see NE. They couldn't afford him and have enough other bodies at RB to make things work. So unless LT switches to LB or DB he won't be in NE.

 

[Chase Stuart]

LT was arguably still a top 10 RB last year, was awesome in '07 and historic in '06. I wonder how much of his decline was due to injury versus age, but he was "only" 29 last year. That's still far from being done for a HOF RB.He doesn't fumble, he scores touchdowns, he catches the ball and he's a workhorse. He probably lacks the top level now and isn't a game changer, but I think he'd be very good wherever he goes.

On the other hand, the three RBs most similar to LT at ages 28 and 29 (in terms of production) -- Eric Dickerson, Roger Craig and Lydell Mitchell -- all fell off at age 30. That doesn't mean a whole lot, although there are similarities between LT and Dickerson in terms of the heavy workload.Of the best RBs at exactly age 30, three of them -- Holmes, Barber and Garner -- did not see heavy workloads early in their careers. Walter Payton had a monster year at age 30 while Dillon's first year in NE came at that age. And while Payton was awesome at age 30, he was awesome at age 29, too.

 

[Banger]

It's sad for Charger fans IMO but AJ Smith played this exactly like I thought weeks ago....he doesn't want him back so make but you can't just cut him so you offer him an offer you know he won't take. Remember Drew Brees? I think they are making a mistake but time will tell.

From a fantasy POV though it will work out great for me owning Sproles and LT.

 

[bcr8f]

I like Arizona.

 

[bigreese82]

How about Tennessee...They aren't tremendously happy with Lendale...They have tons of cap space. They want to Keep Chris Johnson around 15 carries...who would you rather give 15 carries to LT or Lendale

 

[Banger]

I don't know about cap space and all that, but I'd love to see him as a Colt.

that could be sick.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

NE will cut maroney and sign LT, if he is cutI say he takes the new offer from SD

Laurence Maroney is cheap.He only counts 600K against the cap.He will not be cut.

 

[Anonymous Internet User]

I'd love to see him paired with MJD in Jax.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

NEW ORLEANS

In a radio interview with XX 1090 AM, Drew Brees admitted to conversing with former teammate LaDainian Tomlinson about the possibility of LT joining the Saints if the opportunity arises.

"For me, I’m just waiting for the opportunity if he is available to come and snatch him," Brees said. Asked if he told LT that he wanted him as a teammate, Brees replied, "I think that’s pretty obvious, don’t you think?" The National Football Post reported last week that the Saints would have a "high level of interest" if LT becomes available.

 

[The Kerminator]

Kansas City would be a possibility.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

I could see these options if the Chargers cut LT:

Philly - to pair with Westbrook and a good shot at going far in playoffs

Denver - would like to stick it to Chargers and have a shot at the playoffs (doubtful with the numerous signings of avg rbs)

Indy - make a run at the title in a spread offense

 

[David Yudkin]

I haven't seen a recent recalculation of teams vs. the cap, but both NO and IND were barely under the cap once the free agency period hit. That alone makes either of those destinations as a landing spot for LT unlikely barring some creative accounting and shuffling of player contracts/personnel.

 

[Cookiemonster]

NE will cut maroney and sign LT, if he is cutI say he takes the new offer from SD

Laurence Maroney is cheap.He only counts 600K against the cap.He will not be cut...

... unless they need the roster spot for a better player.

 

[Moniker]

LT was arguably still a top 10 RB last year, was awesome in '07 and historic in '06. I wonder how much of his decline was due to injury versus age, but he was "only" 29 last year. That's still far from being done for a HOF RB.He doesn't fumble, he scores touchdowns, he catches the ball and he's a workhorse. He probably lacks the top level now and isn't a game changer, but I think he'd be very good wherever he goes.

This.LT finished RB9 in both of my leagues. Don't understand the LT hate at all.

 

[Crippler]

LT was arguably still a top 10 RB last year, was awesome in '07 and historic in '06. I wonder how much of his decline was due to injury versus age, but he was "only" 29 last year. That's still far from being done for a HOF RB.He doesn't fumble, he scores touchdowns, he catches the ball and he's a workhorse. He probably lacks the top level now and isn't a game changer, but I think he'd be very good wherever he goes.

This.LT finished RB9 in both of my leagues. Don't understand the LT hate at all.

He was #7 in my league last year and 1 point from #5. 1/2 point behind 2 guys in front. That is pretty damn good productionWas it not year 8 in the league where the man LT emulates had a 1000 yard season with 4 TD's and people started to right him off. And what a comeback he made from that point on,.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

LT was arguably still a top 10 RB last year, was awesome in '07 and historic in '06. I wonder how much of his decline was due to injury versus age, but he was "only" 29 last year. That's still far from being done for a HOF RB.He doesn't fumble, he scores touchdowns, he catches the ball and he's a workhorse. He probably lacks the top level now and isn't a game changer, but I think he'd be very good wherever he goes.

This.LT finished RB9 in both of my leagues. Don't understand the LT hate at all.

I can't give him away in 2 of my leagues.I've stopped offering, and I'm glad I did.I think he'll be fine, dude is coming off a 1500+ yard season, with dings.

 

[David Yudkin]

NE will cut maroney and sign LT, if he is cutI say he takes the new offer from SD

Laurence Maroney is cheap.He only counts 600K against the cap.He will not be cut...

... unless they need the roster spot for a better player.

After blowing $3M for this year on Fred Taylor and signing some other pieces to the puzzle, NE probably can't afford someone like LT. Before the Shawn Springs signing, NE was about $12 million under the cap but they still have holes to fill (LB, DB, WR, backup QB for starters, all their rookies for another). They also have several guys with contracts up after this year (Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Logan Mankins, Jarvis Green, Kevin Faulk, Stephen Neal, Ellis Hobbs, Nick Kaczur, Tedy Bruschi, Ben Watson, Pierre Woods, Stephen Gostkowski, David Thomas, and several others).

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

NE will cut maroney and sign LT, if he is cutI say he takes the new offer from SD

Laurence Maroney is cheap.He only counts 600K against the cap.He will not be cut...

... unless they need the roster spot for a better player.

After blowing $3M for this year on Fred Taylor and signing some other pieces to the puzzle, NE probably can't afford someone like LT. Before the Shawn Springs signing, NE was about $12 million under the cap but they still have holes to fill (LB, DB, WR, backup QB for starters, all their rookies for another). They also have several guys with contracts up after this year (Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Logan Mankins, Jarvis Green, Kevin Faulk, Stephen Neal, Ellis Hobbs, Nick Kaczur, Tedy Bruschi, Ben Watson, Pierre Woods, Stephen Gostkowski, David Thomas, and several others).

Thanks for the info David. Always good when a fan of a team chimes in to give the facts.

 

[stevegamer]

The more I think about it, the more the Chargers FO reminds me of the Eagles FO. And that's not a compliment.

 

[David Yudkin]

NE will cut maroney and sign LT, if he is cutI say he takes the new offer from SD

Laurence Maroney is cheap.He only counts 600K against the cap.He will not be cut...

... unless they need the roster spot for a better player.

After blowing $3M for this year on Fred Taylor and signing some other pieces to the puzzle, NE probably can't afford someone like LT. Before the Shawn Springs signing, NE was about $12 million under the cap but they still have holes to fill (LB, DB, WR, backup QB for starters, all their rookies for another). They also have several guys with contracts up after this year (Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Logan Mankins, Jarvis Green, Kevin Faulk, Stephen Neal, Ellis Hobbs, Nick Kaczur, Tedy Bruschi, Ben Watson, Pierre Woods, Stephen Gostkowski, David Thomas, and several others).

Thanks for the info David. Always good when a fan of a team chimes in to give the facts.

Forgot to mention that cutting Maroney would count $725K against the cap, so they wouldn't save aanything by trading or releasing him.

 

[the branded hand]

... long shot here.

I like the idea of LT staying in SD, but, would MBIII for LT make any sense? SD gets their thunder and lightning duo of Barber and Sproles, DAL gets one of the best all-purpose backs to plug into whatever comes out of their training camp... and Jerry Jones gets to puff up again.

The idea of LT as a Cardinal or Colt might be better, though... IF he leaves SD (fingers crossed).

 

[nittanylion]

Don't know the cap ramifications of this, but with DWard gone to the Buccos, and having seen how far Earth/Wind/Fire took them last year, I'd have to think the G-Men would have to seriously consider adding LT to pair up with bruiser Brandon Jacobs, especially since it's reasonable for them to hedge their bet on Bradshaw's ability to behave himself.

Talk about pee-ing on the NFC fire hydrant (marking their territory). An LT signing might even get them off the hook for dismissing Plax, and his presence on the field would certainly make things easier on the young corps of WR (SSmith, Hixon, Tyree, SinMoss etc.), and TE Kevin Boss.

When you look at the Giants' skill position players, the one area LT could have the most impact is converting on 3rd and less-than-5 when having a versatile weapon who's presence on the field doesn't show your hand. Which in turn leads to extending time of possession, and allowing that Defense that they've put so much effort into bolstering, to be fresh and aggressive whenever they hit the field.

I'm comfortably adding them to my mix that includes GB, Det, NO, Ariz, Cinci and Houston.

 

[Banger]

does anyone know what the offer was for LT?

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Seattle

Cleveland

AZ

IND

BAL

 

[Banger]

SeattleClevelandAZINDBAL

What has to be taken into account is that if LT is released he will be able to control the team that he signs with. That being the case, there's no way he plays for Seattle/Clev even if they have a need for a RB upgrade. He'll definitely sign with a team that has a chance to win now and will probably even forgo salary to do so.

 

[FUBAR]

SeattleClevelandAZINDBAL

What has to be taken into account is that if LT is released he will be able to control the team that he signs with. That being the case, there's no way he plays for Seattle/Clev even if they have a need for a RB upgrade. He'll definitely sign with a team that has a chance to win now and will probably even forgo salary to do so.

Yep. And no offense to AZ, but they can't be considered as likely to make it back to the big game (remember the Super Bowl loser jinx) as some others. I'm not sure about Baltimore with their 3 headed beast, but the more I think about it, the more I like Indy's chances to bring him in.

 

[omahabrad]

I think there is noway he leaves San Diego. Both sides need each other. I personally hope he does go, just to stick it to A.J.. A.J. comes off as an ### to me.

If LT ended up in Indy, all I could say is WOW

 

[TLEF316]

if the Patriots sign LT, I may have to kill myself

 

[Dave Stauff]

As mentioned by an earlier poster, LT had some pretty harsh words to describe BB - iirc they involved the word "cheater" and LT seemed to have honest disdain for this guy. If released, he (and his agent) can exclude teams from consideration and I would expect them to do just that with NE. LT strikes me as a man of principle, and that is 1) why he will leave SD, and 2) why he won't consider NE