Should the Chargers just cut him? Not a very productive year for this guy. Pulled this article from Yahoo...


LaDainian Tomlinson didn't contribute much to the Chargers yesterday, unless the Chargers happen to enjoy 3rd and 8 (they probably don't). His performance didn't deviate much from what he gave the Chargers all season long: very short runs, no matter the circumstances.

Thus, the Chargers are looking at another offseason where Tomlinson's future dominates local headlines. He's due a roster bonus of $2 million, and the Chargers can save $4 million by cutting him. It would be hard for anyone to argue that Tomlinson's contributions this season were worth much more than the price of a Snuggie.

So what are the Chargers supposed to do with him? Let's take a look at their options.

1) See if he can kick. Specifically, in January. If he can, make his first target the undercarriage of Nate Kaeding.

2) Say goodbye and cut him. If I had to guess, I'd say this is the most likely option. Before that happens, though, it's worth asking the following question: Who was worse this year, Tomlinson or the Chargers' run blocking? The Chargers coaching staff knows the answer to this better than anyone, so I hope they're honest with themselves. It's easy to point the finger at Tomlinson, but when anyone else got a chance, they didn't do much better. Tomlinson averaged 3.3 yards per carry, Darren Sproles(notes) 3.7, and Michael Bennett 2.8. According to the DYAR and DVOA numbers at Football Outsiders, Tomlinson was actually the best (or least terrible) of the three.

3) Improve the offensive line and bring him back for another go. Looking at Football Outsiders numbers again, the San Diego offensive line, in terms of run blocking, was 18th in the league, and yet, the Chargers finished last in the league in yards-per-carry. The Bolts' run blockers ranked ahead of teams like the Vikings and Titans, and if I'm not mistaken, those two teams produced pretty decent runners, did they not? For whatever little its worth, my half-hearted eyeball test agrees that the line wasn't good, but wasn't terrible, either.

4) Bring him back only if he'll agree to a pay-cut and back-up role. Pride, ego and a lot of other things stand in the way here, but it makes sense for everyone involved. Tomlinson's got to realize that no one else out there is going to just hand him a starting job, and it wouldn't hurt the Chargers to keep a beloved franchise hero around as long as they can. Of course, in that department, Tomlinson may have done the Chargers a favor yesterday. At this point last year, the fans universally wanted Tomlinson back. After yesterday, I think they'd be a bit more, um, understanding, if he were to be let go.

Most likely, before Week 1 of the 2010 regular season, it won't be LaDainian Tomlinson's name atop the Chargers running back depth chart. Whether he wants to appear below that name, or on someone else's depth chart, he'll have to figure out.

Saw this on Yahoo as well. If they cut him, the Pats or the Cowboys or etc.....will swoop him up and
make a specialty back out of him. I think that's what the Chargers should offer him as far as a role.

Yep.....See if we can get him to be a "Ronnie Harmon" (SP?) type back.

2nd to worst running game in the league this year, LT is the man but his days with SD are over, Sproels is our specialty back, just need to score a solid running back in the draft or a trade (pederson, chris johnson, even the kid from the jets would work)

Convert to a WR?

#1

that could work, specialty receiver

They need to cut Cramartie.

I'm with you on this. I saw him standing around on the field several times during a live ball yesterday. Even if he was close to the action, he didn't seem to care.

Tough call,its always hard to see a hall of fame player on the decline.Ive seen so many plays this year where LT is one step from busting off a nice gain.
In my opinon he has lost that burst that made him so special.The guy was the heart and soul of this team for a long time,he will always be one of favorite
Chargers of all time.Also I think the identity of the Chargers has changed under Norv,its now pass first and dont worry about the run.Unfortunetly as we saw on Sunday you still need to pound the ball in the playoffs and play an attacking style defense.Time to draft a bigger tougher back to compliment Sproles
a back like we had (Michael Turner) Ohh bye the way see ya Cromartie,guys a punk and straight up soft!

I think this is the problem I have with the Charger brain trust.....You just don't cut a hall of fame guy like LT. Your fans are a direct reflection of your loyalty to your players. Can you imagine other teams cutting their HOF position player to save money, how about all those dominant years that LT had that made the Chargers a playoff caliber team, how about the wieght that LT carried while Rivers was developing into a great QB (crappy attitude) and where would Rivers be if LT did not pull defenses and their attention off Rivers. LT did a lot for the Chargers, its time the Chargers did a lot for LT. A reason why I have a small problem with the Charger and their fans...Other than that, I say keep him or make him retire a Charger...

he'll never be the same

Yea, LT gave us a FEW good years,,, but was always a "me,me,me" guy..
He was such a dik about Rivers and Rivers once said "you will all see the true player/truth one day".. Well... LT is a baby..
I got really tired of watching LT go down early, no hustle, going out instead of taking a hit.. Always felt like he was more worried about himself than the game. He never stretches for that "extra" yard anymore..
Sproles is the only reason you started seeing some hustle out of LT..
As a Charger fan, I am tired of the premadonas.. He doesn't give us 100% anymore because he "thinks" he has proven himself.
Wasn't he the one that didn't feel the need for special practices?
To prove my point... watch when he gets traded (he will).. He will put up 100yd games again till he thinks he's done his "time"..

Maybe he'll just sit back and do his "Electric Glide" and see what happens....

good point this really reminds me of reggie bush. the only reason bush is going at poeple instead of around is its a contract year for him. i always hated when players did this. like they arent getting paid enough to do what others would kill to do a GAME

Yes LT was the face of the franchise, but it is a business and they have to make business decisions.
If that means cutting him or a reduced role then so be it.
Figure out a way to get Merriman his roids back.
Find someone to smack Cromartie upside the head.

Here's the deal...it is a business and anyone who says different isn"t seeing the whole picture. The fact is the Chargers can get someone to do what Tomlinson did this season but for a lot less money. They need to spread that money around. Not much will change on offense next year aside from LT....I think we'll be as productive on that side of the ball as we were this year. The real need is on the defensive line and linebackers. We get zero pass rush from our ends...without a pass rush, the Chargers can make anyone Quarterback look All-Pro. You'll be amazed at how much Cromartie will improve when the opposing QB is under pressure. I'd say Merriman is gone and that's fine, there's wasn't much value in him this year. It would be nice to upgrade from Shaun Phillips but he'll do and our inside LB's are average. Nate Kaeding....now here's where I'm undecided. On one hand he was beyond solid all year but if your ultimate goal is a Super Bowl then someone who chokes in the playoffs is useless. On the other hand, he's solid during the season and can help get you in the playoffs. Once you get there just know you can't rely on him for anything other than the extra point.

Man...feels good to get that all off my chest!

I say cut his sorry u know kuat

from todays paper of charger free agents

d thomas
antwan applewhite
jeromey clary
alonso boone
denis norman
jon runyan
kris wilson
ian scott
tim dobbins
antonio garay
marques harris
travis johnson
mike tolbert
malcom floyd
eric ghiaciuc
vincent jackson
marcus mcneil
darren sproles
charlie whitehurst
malcom floyd
shawne merriman
brandon manumaleuna
kassim osgood

Some players on that list I sure hope we don't lose.....

He did a job and got paid millions. If he can no longer can do that job, he should be moved. Like people say, its a business.

Wow. That didn't take long.


See ya!


Chargers begin talks with Los Angeles over stadium concerns
Posted: Jan 19, 2010 11:10 AM PST

San Diego ChargersSAN DIEGO (AP) — What do you do when you lose to playoffs? You go looking for a new stadium. It works for women after receiving bad news or a breakup right?

The Chargers announced Tuesday morning that after years of discussion and trying to get San Diego to build them a new stadium, that they have begun active talks with Los Angeles in a possible relocation deal.

The team had expected to go all the way to the Super Bowl to add fire to their decades old fight, but that fire was put out during Sunday's playoff game against the New York Jets. "Planning our offseason negotiations with the City of San Diego came a lot sooner than most people expected. Having not brought a winning team home has forced this francise into a new direction that will hopefully begin a new dynasty in the NFL," stated Team president Dean Spanos to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

"We have tried for years to make this deal to bring a better team and better football to San Diego. I'm not waiting anymore. I can't take the disappointment anymore," Spanos said.

It is unsure what the response will be among Chrager fans and the people of San Diego with the disappointing lose still luming in the minds and hearts of San Diegans.

"Fine. Let them go. I'm tried of always being laughed at for supporting the bolts through thick and thin and then this is how they repay us? I hope they take Kaeding with them," Jose Martinez told reporters.

It is unsure what the outcome will be so soon in this offseason game. San Diego City Counselwoman Diana Jacobsen declined to comment saying, "Mr. Spanos hasn't even contacted the City of San Diego regarding this matter. We are all a bit shocked and disappointed at this time."

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.

Los Angeles Chargers...


Think of the marketing opportunities:

Mastercard Stadium
Priceless T shirts with Rivers face on them...


It could work...

I agree, we need someone like Mike Turner. We should have traded LT and kept Turner.

Weddle got ran the eff over ! Nice effort Cromartie.

As for Nate, 3 for 9 in the post season, need I say more. We got rid of Marty for his lack of post season records. Nate should be treated the same way. IMO

another, wait till next year, getting real effin old !

San Diego City Counselwoman Diana Jacobsen declined to comment saying, "Mr. Spanos hasn't even contacted the City of San Diego regarding this matter. We are all a bit shocked and disappointed at this time."


Are you effin kidding me...how long has this issue been dragging on?

LT hasnt been worth a lick since his allstar season 3 years ago! I blame that not only on his lack of hussle and the o-lines sorry attempt for making holes to run through, i also blame it on the fact that that got rid of the NEAL. He made the blocks and the holes for LT to run through for those big gains! Now on to deffense, merriman aint worth poo unless he is on the juice! Trade those 2 guys and that will free up quite a bit of money for better hungrier players!