Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Former NFL MVP Looking for New Home

He currently ranks eigth on the all-time rushing list with 12,490 yards, 2nd in career rushing touchdowns with 138, and third in total touchdowns with 153.

In 2006 he earned NFL MVP honors after setting single season records of 31 touchdowns and 186 points.

In 2006 and 2007 he won the NFL rushing title.

And today he was let go by the Chargers.

Once considered one of the most dominant backs in the league, LaDainian Tomlinson is currently without a team.

After battling through injuries for the past few seasons, Tomlinson was let go as the Chargers decided to move on without him.

"I told him that in the 26 years that I've been in this business, it was probably the hardest thing I've had to do," team president Dean Spanos told The Associated Press. "I'm not close to a lot of the players, but there's a handful that I've been close with, and he's probably the closest. It was really difficult to tell him. But out of respect, I wanted to tell him earlier rather than later."
"It was a long time coming, but I knew it was coming," Tomlinson said, according to SI.com. "Now that it's official I can kind of look to the next step in my career and playing football for someone else."

The 30 year old definitely still has some game left, it not at the highest level of play. Running backs are always in high demand in the NFL, and I expect Tomlinson to be picked up quickly.

Several teams stand out who may want to pick up Tomlinson.

New England Patriots
The Patriots would easily be able to afford Tomlinson, and with their pass-happy offense would be able to use Tomlinson's receiving abilities. Rumors are floating that Lawrence Maroney is to be traded away from the Patriots, and that opening could be filled by Tomlinson.

New Orleans Saints
LT also has the perfect attributes to fit into the Saints' offense. With Reggie Bush supposedly on his way out and Pierre Thomas an unrestricted free agent, New Orleans looks like a solid opportunity for Tomlinson to not only contribute, but possibly even start.

Minnesota Vikings
Chester Taylor, the backup to Adrian Peterson, has proved he he can produce starting RB numbers, and wants to paid like a starter, something the Vikings aren't likely to do. If he goes elsewhere, Tomlinson would be an excellent compliment to Peterson.

Detroit Lions
If LT decides to go for money and playing time, Detroit is a realistic place for him. He probably wouldn't be Super Bowl bound, but he would almost certainly start and be paid well. Tomlinson could also be the spark Detroit needs to get fans back into the stands.

Wherever Tomlinson goes, he will bring his veteran leadership and hardworking style of play along with him. Tomlinson, when on his game, has proven to be an unstopable running back. He also fits the pass-heavy trend the NFL has aquired.

I would expect movement to happen soon, as this one-time superstar is still game-ready.

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