San Diego Chargers Release Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson

LaDainian Tomlinson was the bolt in the San Diego Chargers offense long before Philip Rivers or Norv Turner showed up, but after nine years, the Chargers have opted to release their star back. The signs were there for a couple of seasons, Tomlinson wasn't the featured back he once was. Injuries slowed him, and the Chargers offense evolved without him.

Guys like Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Darren Sproles all became preferred weapons in the offense. After gaining only 730 yards this season, it was clear San Diego wasn't going to pay the $2 million bonus, to a now average back. After a career year in 2006, Tomlinson's numbers have decreased steadily each year. With Tomlinson's release, the Chargers will use the undersized Darren Sproles more, and look to add another back to share the load. The loss of L.T. shouldn't knock San Diego from the top of the AFC West, provided they find a suitable replacement, that can remain healthy.

The Chargers will most likely use their 1^st round pick to draft a running back. Dwyer, Blount, and Best should all be available for San Diego. The Chargers could also get a running back through trade, or free agency. A running back like free agent Chester Taylor, would fit in perfectly with this offense. San Diego could always try and get Michael Turner back from the Falcons, but I'm pretty sure Atlanta's going to hold on to him. Some other backs that have fallen out of favor with their team and may be available, Marshawn Lynch, Willie Parker, Willis McGahee, and Julius Jones, to name a few. The Dallas Cowboys are also stacked at running back, but getting that trade done would be difficult.

While the Chargers have several options to fill the void of Tomlinson, LaDainian will have less. Of course, the first team that comes to mind as a new home for Tomlinson, is New England, where all aging free agents go. Other teams that may show interest, the Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Detroit Lions.

It will be strange to see L.T. playing on a different team next year, but that's the way of the NFL. Wherever Tomlinson plays next season, he will bring with him an impressive resume. To list all his highlights would take far too long, so here are a few:

* Four 200+ rushing games in his career.

* 18 straight games with a touchdown

* Record for most points scored in single season 176.

* Record for single season touchdowns 31.

* Only player in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes in a season.

LaDainian Tomlinson was once one of the greatest backs in the National Football League, and now he's not. Accepting the role of a back up player, could extend his career a couple more years. There's also a possibility Tomlinson could retire.

San Diego will go on without LaDainian Tomlinson. They'll replace him with a younger, faster back. Tomlinson hopefully, will land with a team with a great offensive line, and good offense. For all he's given to the NFL, Tomlinson deserves to go out, if not on top, not on the bottom.

Sources:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/328687-if-ladainian-tomlinson-retires-would-he-get-in-the-nfl-hof