Former Charger running back met with the Vikings on Thursday. Joe Fortenbaugh
The market for LaDainian Tomlinson is starting to heat up.
After meeting with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, Tomlinson is now heading to the Big Apple to talk with the New York Jets, who are very serious about signing the former Pro Bowler, according to Rich Cimini and Ohm Youngmisuk of the New York Daily News.
According to reports, L.T. left Minnesota very impressed with the Vikings organization. However, the future Hall of Famer wants to keep his options open (as well as drive up the price) and already has several other visits lined up for next week.
In addition to the Vikings and Jets, the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints are rumored to be in the hunt for Tomlinson’s services as well.
The nine-year veteran out of TCU was released by the Chargers on February 22. For his career, L.T. ranks eighth all-time in rushing yards (12,498), second in rushing touchdowns (138) and third in total touchdowns (153). He also won the NFL’s MVP award in 2006 after rushing for 1,815 yards and scoring 31 total touchdowns.
However, the 30-year-old running back’s skill set has diminished considerably over the last two years. Tomlinson hasn’t averaged over 4.0 yards per carry since 2007, posting a career-low 3.3 YPC in 2009. He’s also struggled to get past the first defender and out to the second level, something that was an L.T. trademark early in his career.
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How can the Jets sign a free agent running back when they released Thomas Jones, they didn't lose him to free agency?
The Jets released TJ for one reason. He was due a huge roster bonus this year. (5 million i believe) Last year, TJ received a dismal salary but performed like a beast. This is the reason TJ was trying to restructure his contract last off season.
The Jets need to be in the market for another RB. WIth Leon coming off an injury, and Greene still new and unproven in the league; the Jets need someone that can split carries. This is a running offense, the Jets know they cannot yet rely on Sanchez to control they game with his arm.
Mike...but that doesn't explain how the Jets can sign him according to the Last 8 Rule. Is it because LT was actually released and not a free agent?
Forget it...found it at NBCsports
NFL director of corporate communications Dan Masonson, who has been incredibly helpful to our efforts to understand the nuances of the labor deal, tells us that the final eight teams will be permitted to sign any players who have been released from their contracts, regardless of whether they had to pass through the waiver system before becoming free agents.
This would be a dumb move. They should target Westbrook. More of a competitor, great 3rd down back who can catch, etc. I do NOT like LT wearing green. He's no better than TJ. In fact, he might be worse at this point. Get Westbrook!
They are going to regret cutting jones. it was very cheap of them to release the guy to avoid paying his roster bonus (i think it was 3.3 and a salary of 2.5 or soemthing). Iall of a suddenthe jets have gooten cheap, probably because they are paying crazy money to tthier linebackingcorps but they shoudl have paid TJ and cut Gholston. I dont care hes 32. he ran for 1400 yards last year and has run for over 1K the last 5 years. LT may have been a greater back in his prime but is not a better back now. Shon Greene gets hurt and what ar etehy going to do? throw all day with a 2nd year QB? good luck with that.
This would be a dumb move. They should target Westbrook. More of a competitor, great 3rd down back who can catch, etc. I do NOT like LT wearing green. He's no better than TJ. In fact, he might be worse at this point. Get Westbrook!
I m not big LT fan anymore. He does not play hurt at all, runs out of bounds to save his body, Lt all about Records.. also the Guy is a big Baby during the playoffs he sat on the side lines crying. Two year in row he took him self out of the playoffs becuase he was hurt.. all he wants to do is come in get Green to pound the D then LT will come in get his yards and make sure green does lot of the work so LT can come in and get the TD.. Big Cam you dont want Westbrook. Two concussion last year one more and he will be done in the NFL so if you pick him game 1 concussion out for the year.
I m not big LT fan anymore. He does not play hurt at all, runs out of bounds to save his body, Lt all about Records.. also the Guy is a big Baby during the playoffs he sat on the side lines crying. Two year in row he took him self out of the playoffs becuase he was hurt.. all he wants to do is come in get Green to pound the D then LT will come in get his yards and make sure green does lot of the work so LT can come in and get the TD.. Big Cam you dont want Westbrook. Two concussion last year one more and he will be done in the NFL so if you pick him game 1 concussion out for the year.
The seahawks need to jump on the chance to get an amazing young safety. The rams are fools for wanting to split with a plug on defense like this guy. Go get em hawks
Mar 12, 2010
08:28 AM
Not saying LT WOULDN'T be a good fit there, but unless they are going to make him the workhorse, that's the gap they need to fill. Washington and Greene don't seem like they're up for 25-30 carries/gm like Jones was. Could always split carries among all 3 I guess.