LaDainian Tomlinson is now a free agent after being released from the San Diego Chargers today. While many people, including Tomlinson himself, expected this to happen, it’s still a shock to actually hear the news. When I first read the headline on ESPN, the look on my face probably resembled the look after an unexpected fart rips out. After processing the news for a few seconds, I realized this was probably the best route for the team and for Tomlinson as well. He was due to make around $5 million in base salary and bonus for next year and that is money the Chargers can use to help out their waning defense or get Rivers more help at the receiver position. Tomlinson also stated he has expected the move to be made at some point in the offseason and it’s more beneficial for them to do it now rather than wait so he has the chance to continue with a different team.
Many people might be a little confused as to why the Chargers released Tomlinson after the career he has had with them, but the simple fact is he has not been the same running back since the 2007 season. In fact, this previous season is the only of his 9 years where he failed to register a thousand yards, generally given as the benchmark of a productive running back in the NFL. He’s still churning out the touchdowns and has never had a year where he has produced less than 10.
His career stats are pretty unbelievable, and dare I say (Jared) first-ballot Hall of Fame worthy. With 12,490 rushing yards (ranked 8th all time), 138 rushing TDs (ranked 2nd all time behind some guy named Emmitt Smith), and 153 total TDs (ranked 3rd all time), an NFL MVP award, two rushing titles (2006, 2007), and the single season record for most rushing TDs, I think he has made his case to the Hall of Fame voters. Oh yeah, and he’s not quite done with his career just yet. My brother and I have had this conversation many times and I was always adamant in my opinion that he was not a first-balloter, but would eventually get in because of how ridiculously incredible his stats are. It is my opinion that championship rings are what gets the voter attention the most and Tomlinson has yet to add one of those to his collection of memorabilia. I think I will have to change my status on this because just looking at the stats (over a 9 year period, mind you), the voters would have to be insane to keep this guy out just because he was coached by Norv Turner for so many years.
This is not to say Tomlinson is done with his career either. The Chargers’ RB position may belong to Darren Sproles now, but there are plenty of other teams that will be in the hunt for Tomlinson’s services. A few of note: the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, NE Patriots, and the Oakland Raiders.
The case for the Bills: Yes, Fred Jackson is good and Marshawn Lynch (quite possibly the ugliest guy in the history of the NFL) used to be good but the Bills have been terrible for years. Jackson and Lynch are either unproven or unreliable and Tomlinson would have an excellent chance to start for them if he signed even the day before opening weekend. Reasons he would not likely sign with Buffalo: awful team, cold weather, no head coach, Lynch possibly shooting him, team possibly moving to Canada. Reasons he might sign with Buffalo: starting position essentially up for grabs and a terrible QB which equals more running.
The case for the Browns: They have a relatively good running game already and a RB who seems to be heading in the right direction, so this might not be such a good fit for Tomlinson. He would most likely get the starting job, but the team is not in the best position for what he wants, which is a shot at a title. Sure, he may just want a starting job again, but my gut says Tomlinson stays far, far away from Cleveland. Reasons he would not sign: too many RBs, owners won’t pay him what he’s worth (see Josh Cribbs), no shot at a title. Reasons he might sign: starting position probably available, decent offensive line, run-first offense, could probably start at QB if he wanted.
The case for the Lions: There really is no case here except he would be the starter from the day he signed. Just an awful team and really no incentive other than getting a starting job back. Unless he has fantasies about being an older second coming of Barry Sanders, there’s no way in hell he ends up in Detroit.
The case for the Patriots: The running back situation here is very odd because any four of the guys on the current roster could be the starter based on how Bill Belichick felt about his game day breakfast. If Tomlinson became a Patriot, he would probably be the starter, probably not be ran into the ground like he was in the early days of San Diego, and would definitely have the best chance at a championship. This, in my opinion is the most likely future team for him. If I were a betting man (who am I kidding?), my money is on New England. Reasons he might sign: starting position available, best chance at a championship before retirement, get to play with Tom Brady and Randy Moss, not a whole lot of wear and tear on the body. Reasons he may not sign: cold weather, possible contract issues (read: money), rival of former team (which might belong in the other category, who knows?). Again, I believe Tomlinson will be a Patriot by the start of next season.
The case for the Raiders: Al Davis is obsessed with “name” players and will throw more money at Tomlinson than he could spend in his entire life. That’s just about it, if Tomlinson wants to get paid, he’ll go to Oakland. If not, there’s no reason to subject himself to that kind of torture.
It’s a sad day for many Chargers fans, the end of an era. Tomlinson did some great things in San Diego and he will be missed, but he will have options going forward if he chooses to continue playing. I believe he will and he’ll be right by Mr. Brady in the backfield come fall. He has always been a class guy and I wish him luck, wherever he lands.
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