I am curious about the Jets’ interest in former Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson, because I just don’t see what the plan is by swapping out one RB in his thirties in Thomas Jones — who was very productive as a Jet — for LT.

It isn’t surprising to see a veteran player on the downside of his career weigh his options by taking multiple visits to drive up his own market value in hopes of a semi-bidding war for second-tier free agent money. Some veteran players even wait until after the draft to make a final call to avoid seeing a rookie drafted at their exact position.

But, even in saying that, LT as a Jet?

From a scheme perspective, LT makes sense in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense because the running game is very similar to what Tomlinson saw under Norv Turner in San Diego — the off-tackle power game. Nothing special, but when you have an offensive line like the Jets, it produces results.

However, what is so surprising from my perspective about the Jets’ heavy enough interest to warrant a visit is the current depth chart.

Jones was let go because of Shonn Greene’s production down the stretch of the ’09 season and in the playoffs. Why bring in another 30-something back? Especially when Leon Washington is on the roster — who is better out of the backfield than Tomlinson and more productive.

In Minnesota — where he took his first visit — LT knows his role: a backup to Adrian Peterson (despite what Brad Childress tries to spin it as in his sales pitch). Probably eight to 10 touches a game and an increased role in the Vikings’ third-down passing packages.

But, in New York, LT would be the third option. Maybe five touches a game? Unless — and this is all speculation — the Jets are planning to move a player like Washington. Considering the trade they made this past weekend for CB Antonio Cromartie and during last year’s draft when they moved up to get QB Mark Sanchez, I wouldn’t put anything past head coach Rex Ryan and GM Mike Tannenbaum.

Time to make another deal? Or are the Jets seriously thinking about paying to bring in a veteran to watch as Greene and Washington get all of the touches?Follow me on Twitter: MattBowen41

For a look at possible Jets offseason moves, check out this article from Bleacher Report.