LaDainian Tomlinson Still a San Diego Charger?

LaDainian Tomlinson burst into the NFL in 2001, after a brilliant career at TCU. Now, after eight highly productive seasons with the San Diego Chargers, Tomlinson has hit a bump in the road. In the first year since the trade of valuable back up, Michael Turner, Tomlinson's numbers declined. He finished the 2008 season with only two over 100 yard rushing games, according to CNNsi.com.

The life span of a running back in the NFL is brief and in the past two seasons, Tomlinson has lost playing time due to injuries. Is this the beginning of the end? Tomlinson is entering his 9th season and while he still has the desire and ability to play, the question is, can he be the same back capable of rushing over a 100 yards a game and providing his offense a potent running game?

The Chargers are working on restructuring Tomlinson's contract. Initially, it seemed possible that Tomlinson would be playing somewhere else this season. Now, it seems the Chargers are ready to keep their pro-bowl running back.

The Chargers have a good offense and an offensive mastermind as their head coach, Norv Turner. Does Tomlinson really want to go somewhere else? He plays in the AFC West where, he gets to face Oakland, Kansas City and Denver six times a year, that would help any backs numbers. The other teams that could be a good fit for Tomlinson should he decide to go elsewhere, are New Orleans and Arizona.

If he does go to New Orleans, Tomlinson will be reunited with his former QB, Drew Brees. The Saints could definitely use another running back to share the load with Reggie Bush, who hasn't proven he can be an everyday back. The Saints would instantly upgrade their already potent offense.

The Arizona Cardinals could also use Tomlinson to improve their running game, if as expected, they loose Edgerrin James. Tomlinson would upgrade the Cardinals running game, which was lacking last season. Another plus, in Arizona Tomlinson would play in the NFC West, not exactly a strong division.

At this stage of his career, hopefully Tomlinson isn't only looking at the bottom line. It would be nice to see Tomlinson finish his career with the Chargers. It's a rarity in today's NFL that a player finishes his career having only played for one team.

So, LaDainian don't bolt. The Chargers are a talented team that have the ability to make it to the playoffs and Super Bowl. Besides, there isn't a place in the United States with better weather then San Diego.

Source: www.cnnsi.com