Report: Jets to Retain Tomlinson

Espn.com and several other media outlets are reporting the New York Jets will retain 32-year-old LaDainian Tomlinson even as they continue to purge their roster of aging players like Kris Jenkins and Jason Taylor.

Tomlinson led the team in rushing with 914 yards after being signed as a free agent last March following his release by the San Diego Chargers. Tomlinson played 9 seasons for San Diego after being drafted 5^th overall in the 2001 draft.

Retaining Tomlinson at his $2.4 million base pay salary does have some risks. NFL running backs usually start showing signs of decline after the age of 30. Even though Tomlinson did have a decent year despite sharing carries with other running backs, he did fail to rush for more than 50 yards in each of his last 6 and scored just one touchdown after the Jets' week 7 bye week. He had a great game in the wild card round of the playoffs, rushing for 82 yards and 2 touchdowns. But he had just 59 yards on the ground in the final two games of the postseason.

Since base salaries aren't guaranteed, it's possible the Jets are waiting until closer to next season (assuming there is a next season) in an effort to watch for significant decline or to see if they can find a long-term replacement in Shonn Green, Joe McKnight or a running back they acquire through the draft. The Jets also might be willing to give Tomlinson another year with the intention of giving the other two running backs a few more carries each game to keep their veteran rested as they make another Super Bowl run.