DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum LaDainian Tomlinson on the trading block?

Chargers handling Tomlinson like journeyman, not Hall of Famer

"Two things I always knew about my league, the NFL: You don't ask for favors, you don't hang around. A man might love the game, but the game loves no one. The game will use what he has, [then] discard him. The sh-- isn't personal."
--Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, in his autobiography, Out of Bounds.

LaDainian Tomlinson was a rookie with the Chargers in 2001 when he read Brown's book. Asked later what resonated with him most, the former TCU star spoke about the aforementioned passage. Then he wrapped up his feelings by saying, in so many words: Pro football is a business; loyalty is a fantasy.

The significance of that belief has never carried more weight with Tomlinson than it does today. After eight mostly glorious seasons with the Chargers, during which he helped the organization go from 1-15 to a Super Bowl contender, the running back is rumored to be on the trading block.

The talk has hung in the air for weeks and, to date, no one from the front office has told him it's unfounded. The silence is deafening to Tomlinson -- particularly when you consider how swiftly general manager A.J. Smith and club president Dean Spanos moved to squash speculation that coach Norv Turner was on the hot seat during the team's 4-8 start.

Tomlinson, whose past two seasons were cut short by injury, knows the game is a business. But at the same time he is human and admits to being hurt by not only the lack of communication, but also the mere suggestion he should not be a part of the Chargers' future plans.

"I've tried to be the best professional, best player, best person in the community that this organization has ever seen, that's what I've always tried to do and will continue to do because that's who I am," Tomlinson said. "But to be treated like this, to me it just reaffirms my faith in God, to be honest with you. To let nothing bother me because of my faith in God and how far he has brought me. Because this is what man will do to you: Man will build you up and make you think that you're the greatest and that you're going to be here forever, and then man does this. Man crucifies you. ...

"I think it's ridiculous to be talking about trade and me not being here, that's just my personal opinion. I know every team has a right to make trades and all this stuff, but I just think it's ridiculous to be talking about this, to have this stuff in the media when this could be handled behind closed doors and in a professional way. Now I have people calling me, talking about this all the time; this has become a big story and I don't want this."

This seems a strange way to treat a player who has been the face of the franchise since shortly after arriving in San Diego. When the team extended Tomlinson's contract in 2004, making him the highest-paid running back in the league, Spanos spoke about Tomlinson being everything you could want in a player and person. He referred to him as a role model. He has had Tomlinson and his wife, LaTorsha, over to his house for dinner on multiple occasions and has allowed them to fly with him on his private jet to league events, including a press conference to accept the NFL's Man of the Year award following the 2006 season. So, it does seem peculiar Spanos would be so silent at this point.

Smith, the general manager who has a reputation for being all-business, declined to discuss Tomlinson's situation this week because, as he has said on so many occasions, he does not discuss his team's football business. He said he plans to follow his customary routine, which is for everyone to get away after the season for a couple of weeks, then come back for player evaluation meetings with clear minds.

Those meetings will kick off on Jan. 27. However, unlike in previous years, when Tomlinson's name was never discussed because of his greatness and a contract that runs through 2011, Smith said L.T. will be discussed "heavily" this year. That's in part because Tomlinson will be 30, is coming off two injury-shortened seasons, has an $8.8 million cap figure next season, and once said he didn't expect to play in the final year of his contract (although he also has said he does plan to play through the end of his deal).

"L.T. will be discussed in great length on a number of issues by this organization based on [the three years he has remaining on his contract]," Smith said. "Now that may be shocking to you or it may be shocking to L.T. or anyone else out there, and if it is I don't know what to tell you; but as the general manager of the football team, the recommendations I'm going to make to Dean Spanos, like I've done all these years, I think it's valid to discuss a football player like L.T. and [what has happened] the last couple of years, looking ahead to a contract that has three years remaining on it.

"All of that may be stunning to people, but as the GM here -- where I told you I would pass his name a few years ago -- it will be discussed heavily. I think it's valid; I don't think it's ridiculous. I think it's important at this point in time, as unreasonable as that may sound to many people or to you, I think it's a sound football decision."

There is an adage that it's not what you do, but how you do it. Tomlinson, in my opinion, earned the right long ago to have these discussions behind closed doors. He should not have to learn from reporters that the team will consider or attempt to trade him. That news should come directly from Spanos or Smith, even if they ultimately decide to do nothing.

This is not some journeyman we're talking about. This is a Hall of Fame back, an icon, a role model. He has conducted himself with class since he arrived and been a beacon for the organization. Smith says the team has made no decisions on any player under contract because, as is his custom, he waits until after the year-end evaluation meetings to get input from coaches and scouts.

I'm a firm believer that the Chargers -- and every other team -- has the right to trade any player, including Tomlinson (even though I believe it would be a mistake). But there is a right way and wrong way to go about it. So far, the Chargers have chosen the wrong way.

Some of it could be a byproduct of the team's dislike for Tomlinson's agent, Tom Condon. There has been bad blood between the sides over how situations involving Drew Brees, Donnie Edwards and Eli Manning were handled. Management does not like Condon, and, for all we know, Condon doesn't like the San Diego brass.

The flames of discontent were fanned again during the playoffs when the severity of Tomlinson's groin injury leaked out the morning of the postseason opener against the Colts. The Chargers believe the information came from Tomlinson's camp, from Condon or someone on his staff. The organization was further inflamed when Tomlinson acknowledged the injury the next week, during preparations for the divisional-round game against Pittsburgh.

"People talk about getting their feelings hurt," Smith said. "Well, a lot of people get their feelings hurt all the time. This is a hard, cold business. I get my feelings hurt, too, when I see a report about an extensive evaluation of his injury come across the bottom of the screen from [ESPN's] Chris Mortensen. I get my feelings hurt there, too, and then double that when there is verification from L.T. right after that. So we all get our feelings hurt, and then you take a step back."

If the Chargers are looking to trade Tomlinson, there definitely will be a market, according to several general mangers who spoke on the condition of anonymity. But the Chargers aren't going to get what they could have a couple of years ago, when he was the best player in the game and shattered numerous rushing and scoring records.

Each of the executives said they doubted any team would surrender a first-day draft choice because Tomlinson will be 30 next year and has shown signs of wear and tear. He missed part of the playoffs last season with a sprained knee and was sidelined for all but the first half of the Colts wild-card game this year because of a partially detached groin.

"You could see from those final two games that he played in when he was healthy that he still has juice," said one GM. "But running backs who have had as many touches as him tend to drop off quickly after 30, and he's had problems with injuries."

The Chargers have the right to trade Tomlinson and surely will do what's best for their organization. But it would be nice to see them just once part ways with a Hall of Fame-caliber player on a good note. It didn't happen with tight end Kellen Winslow or safety Rodney Harrison or linebacker Junior Seau. Hopefully that trend ends with Tomlinson, although the way things have been handled to date raises serious doubt.

One thing I know: As much as Smith is viewed as a hard-ass, he has great respect for the legends of the game, particularly one as talented and as conscientious as Tomlinson. But he also can be emotional and sometimes allows that to affect his judgment. Deep down, I feel he ultimately will do the right thing with Tomlinson and at least reach out to him and tell him nothing has been decided either way.

Tomlinson, who is meeting today with a specialist to get a second opinion on his groin, says he plans on working as hard as ever in the offseason to have a great year in 2009. He says doctors have told him he doesn't need surgery at this point, a revelation that brings a smile to his face. But almost as quickly as he flashes it, it vanishes at the thought of the trade speculation.

Tomlinson said coach Norv Turner has told him the talk about him being traded is "ridiculous," and Spanos, during a postseason practice, talked to Tomlinson as if Tomlinson would return, although he did not mention the rampant speculation. Still, no one of authority has come out and squashed the talk in public.

"I'm going to continue to do the things to get me prepared and ready to play next year," Tomlinson said. "In today's game, you have no control over your future when you're under contract with somebody. They can release, they can trade you, they can do whatever they want with you, because you're under contract. I'm going to get myself healthy and prepared to play football at the highest level. That's all I'm going to say about it.

"I want to be here. I want to be here because I feel like this team is on the verge of being a championship team. Way back when we were struggling and my contract was coming up, I made a vow to myself that I wasn't going to run out at that time. I could have chosen to let it play out and try to get out of here. But I wanted to be a part of turning it around. Now I'm at the point where it has turned around. Things aren't absolutely perfect, but I think this is a chance that I'm going to have to win a championship before I retire. I started here and I want to finish here. But it's not up to me anymore. That's the disappointing thing."

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If SD does decide to part ways with Tomlinson, then they did it a year too late. Michael Turner proved he can be the feature back, I have reservations that Sproles can do the same.

That said, Tomlinson should have at least a couple seasons left if he can get his health back, but I would guess Smith will ask too much for him for us to be a destination.

Put LT in a tandem so he's not getting 30 touches a game and he could extend his career by a few years.

Great RB but as with all RB's there is no subtle stepoff from greatness its a cliff, once you go over it there is no coming back and sadly LT is coming up on it or has passed it.

I'm sure someone will say we should trade for him but he's older than Jamal Lewis...Now if they took a 7th round pick next year for him I might do it but they will want a 2nd-4th and I don't think anyone will give it to them. The only way I see someone trading for him is if they feel that he can be there for 1-2 years and take them to the Super Bowl. I would have loved to have him in his prime (Thanks Big Money) but not now, we already have 1 RB on the decline.

I'll give them DA for LT and Shawne Merriman.. that's my final offer.

OK... on one hand, Smith supposedly has a policy of not talking about his team's "football business." Yet, in the VERY NEXT paragraph he's flapping his gums about "heavy discussions" regarding LT this off-season. Now, I don't have any problem with the notion that the Chargers are going to look at LT's last couple of years, the injuries, his age and his contract. I would EXPECT them to do that. However, Smith shouldn't be shooting his mouth off about such things to the media. There's a right way and a wrong way to handle this situation and, as the author points out, this would be an example of the wrong way to handle it, IMO.

I don't blame LT for being a bit upset about this.

Sad in a way... but like he says, it's a business..nothin personal..

LT seems to be in decent shape still. His knees and shoulders don't seem to be damaged yet. He had difficulty cutting on the toe.

Once he heals he still has a couple of years left in him. It probably would be wise to distribute his reps wisely to keep him fresh. But I don't think he's done.

But RB is probably one of the easiest positions to fill. GOSH only knows why we seem to have difficulty in filling it. But the NFL in general...pretty easy and once again. Another banner year of good young RBs coming into the NFL. Look how many made their mark last year as rookies. Fastest position to transition into the NFL.

LT? Keep him? At what monetary cost? He's got some gas left I'm sure...but he is definitely on the backside of his career.

JMHO

We have difficulty because of the way it's been handled...we haven't drafted a top back at all since...WG..yuk..mostly FA guys on the downside of their careers..

You don't need to draft a "top back" - really good guys come out in the 2nd-5th rounds every year. If you find the right one for your system, you can get your guy without going "premium." We thought we were doing that with Harrison... and maybe we did? I'd like to see him in Mangini's system.

As far as LT goes, I'm more interested in how his situation affects Sproles: I'd rather have him than LT! Sproles and Ward, while also flavors of the month, are the kind of RBs that would work in Mangini's WCO-type system: scatbacks who can catch out of the backfield and rack up YAC.

EDIT: I realize in my first paragraph I advocate drafting a back and in my second I list guys in FA who will make a big pay day. I'm just saying if we were looking FA these are the guys I'd be looking at. I'd still rather draft a mid-round guy with the right skill set or see how Harrison fits in.

I am sorry to see LT treated this way. He is a class guy, a great player (was a great player?) and deserves better.

I hate stuff like this. It's clear LT still has something left in the tank - he was just banged up. Yet, after all he did for the franchise, they're just going to kick him to the curb? It can still be a business without being heartless. Why is it so wrong, instead of trading him behind his back, to go to LT and let him know that they'll keep him so long as he can still play the game but once it reaches the point he can't, he'll have to move on one way or another, either by a greatly reduced role, by retirement or if none of that works, an amicable parting? He's definitely not there yet and stabbing your franchise guy in the back is a horrible way to build a winner. Look at how the Steelers treated Bettis and you'll see how a *shudder* classy organization does things.

I know it's a business but something feels wrong in this...

A top back isn't always a first rounder dude.
And with any skill position the better ones are found early..like the 1st three rounds..
And Harrison is a change of pace back..not a guy who can get 15-20 carries if needed..nor is he a good blocker..something else a good back needs to be able to do.

Yeah, it is truly a sad day when the best RB in the NFL since Emmitt Smith is treated like this......yes, It is a business, but the fact is, that this is a class act guy to San Diego and to the NFL. In this day when you have the clowns like Plaxico, Pac-man..etc...etc...making headlines for doing the dumb stuff they do, they never talk about all that the players do like LT. These are the role models that you would want your kids to want to look up to....So I say for LT....I hope that they trade you, and just make them sorry for doing it.....I think he has at least a few years left as a starter....and even if a team does decide to get him and split carries, that would be a heck of a RB tandum....let alone the experience that he brings to tutor a younger back.....I wish Cleveland had the room to get him....

Yep...it's just a vicious circle of nobdy trusting one another.....I don't know why they even bother signing contracts anymore either.....nobody fulfills them anymore.....

This further proves the fact as to why I think A.J Smith is an idiot.

LT isn't even close to being finished yet. If he does get traded I guarantee you he will work his butt off and come into the year and just tear it up. Thats the type of player he is.

WE GOTTA GET THAT GUY!!



Sorry, couldn't resist


L.T. has probably two, maybe three at absolute most, good seasons left in him. He's going to be 30 this summer (a couple of months older than Jamal Lewis) and that is usually the beginning of the end for a RB. His saving grace is probably that he hasn't really taken the beating & pounding that Jamal has. Jamal has always been a battering ram while LT has been more of a 'kill you in space' guy.... get to the edges or screen pass sorta thing.

I don't think I'd give him a big contract at this point and if I was their G.M., I think that now is the time to trade him... while he still has enough value to get you a Draft pick that doesn't suck. They've got Sproles and there are shiny new RB's coming out in the Draft this year. I think that it's a sound business move... provided that the Draft pick is good enough.

Ahh, once again, A.J. Smith's lack of class comes shining through! I understand that he has a business to run, but obviously this guy has questionable (to say the least) "people skills". I don't care what nobody says, even in the cold hard world of pro football, people skills are important and most definately an asset to have. This is a shame; for what he has done for and meant to that franchise, LT deserves better.

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I don't think I'd give him a big contract at this point and if I was their G.M., I think that now is the time to trade him... while he still has enough value to get you a Draft pick that doesn't suck. They've got Sproles and there are shiny new RB's coming out in the Draft this year. I think that it's a sound business move... provided that the Draft pick is good enough.

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Tomlinson's fast approaching that "Re-tread" arena...Much like James of Zona...And our own Lewis...

Sproles is nothing more than a 3rd down back...Much like Jamel White...And our own Harrison...

Not u...But there's way 2 many that think a White coulda been THE back here...lmao...And now it's Sproles...And even Harrison...

Featured Backs will TAKE A BEATING...And u ain't gonna do it at a soakin' wet 190...Try to give any one of these guys 300+ carries and see if they can be active for 10 games a year...

LT was a superb back...His days are numbered...Such is life in the NFL...

Wonder if they have their eyes on Beanie?

I see them getting Knowshon. He actually reminds me a lot of LT.

Love the sig Clutch!

I'm pimping Curry all the way to become a Brown defender this draft too!

Yeah, unfortunately it is true....as a business, which is what the NFL is, you have to be smart about it.....and letting LT go would be a smart business decision...should they have done it sooner.....I don't think they knew that he would be hurt for the next 2 years....and to dish him off in favor of Turner.....that is easy to say now because he had a great year...but back then, they wan't sure what he was.....New England does have it right, so does San Diego, Pittsburgh, and Philly....while it's not the most popular decision in the world, that is why these teams are always good......they dish these players off at the perfect time to get the most out of them,

Want you saying makes some sense.

You do not replace LT with another LT...

Everyone is replaceable... What you get when you replace a HOFer is not another Hofer... 95 times of 100... Or better...

Did Walter Payton get replaced with anywhere near his quality? How about Emmit Smith? Jim Brown? Jim Taylor? Barry Sanders? Just to name a few from some different eras... I don't think AP of the Vikes is replacable with like and kind qualtiy either... These guys, LT and AP come along one every decade or two...

You keep LT period. At market value. (LT was a huge reason the Bolts made the P-off run). And Sproles gets 30+% of the work and a new fatty too... In the NFL you gotta have two. And you draft a new toy this year or next to replace LT in the next couple of years...

Not to nitpick but Brown did get replaced with someone near his quality. HOF Leroy Kelly. I'm not saying that Kelly was as good as JB, but definitely near his quality.

Saying not too, and then nit pciking is actually... #44 is my favortie Browns player of all time... I see the point your trying to make... There are nearly always exceptions...

The Browns didn't replace Jim Brown... Rarely do teams replace RB's of the caliber that were mentioned...

No takes on the others mentioned? Cool, no worries...

I think the only way Tomlinson comes to the Browns is via trade. But I think if the Chargers were to trade him they would demand a 2nd round pick, which I don't think we would be willing to give up.

If the Chargers released Tomlinson, I don't think he would want to go to Cleveland because he is towards to the end of his career and would want to enter a winning situation.

From his personality it seems like he would want to go to a team that needs a quality running back that would put them over the hump, and/or a team that he would be able to stick it to the Chargers for not wanting him. If he was released I could see him going to the Broncos.

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he is towards to the end of his career and would want to enter a winning situation.

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I am so sick of hearing this, I know it's not going to go away. but couldn't they want to go to a team that they love system being run or something. I disgusted by the rich getting richer. It's slowly ruining the game.

With Miami going 1-15 last year, then 11-5 this year, why are we so quick to assume we're not going to be a contending team in the 09 season?