NFL Free Agency: LaDainian Tomlison, One of Many Great Running Backs on the Market

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It is no secret that LaDainian Tomlinson has played his last game is a San Diego Chargers's uniform.

He came out during an interview in early February and stated he believed he would be released by the Chargers.

San Diego is the only team he has played for at this point in his career. Now, when LT is released, he may not get swept up right away.

This upcoming group of free agent running backs is one of the best in recent memory. The only problem could be with the CBA, which will cause many players to be restricted free agents.

But don't let this fool you, there will be a lot of shifting and moving of players, particularly running backs, in this upcoming offseason.

Until we get undisputed clarification from Tomlinson, I'll stick to the other major free agent running backs getting ready to hit the market.

Willie Parker

2009 Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Free Agent Status: Unrestricted

Mr. Speed is the best nickname for Willie Parker. At one point in time, he could have been one of the best running backs in the league, but with most teams using the short passing game rather than the outside running game, most teams have a stronger, more powerful back.

The Steelers have shifted over to that type of back in Rashard Mendenhall. If Willie Parker were to remain in Pittsburgh, he would have a diminished role in the offense.

This won't take to Parker's liking, but I think he'll figure out that he will have a dimished role in any offense, which could drive him back to the Steelers if he ever decides to leave.

Projection: Willie Parker will remain in Pittsburgh.

Pierre Thomas

2009 Team: New Orleans Saints

Free Agent Status: Restricted

There are two points needed to make when talking about Pierre Thomas's free agency. The first is his restricted status.

He would be pursued relentlessly by many teams if he were unrestricted, but with a restricted status, most teams won't pay the price of a first round pick to the New Orleans Saints.

The second point is, he has no reason to leave. After winning a Superbowl and being a major part of the Playoff run, he will most certainly be wanted back. On the other side, he will want to stay.

The Saints will have more than enough money to resign him, so don't expect Thomas to get out of New Orleans any time soon.

Projection: Pierre Thomas will remain in New Orleans.

Chester Taylor

2009 Team: Minnesota Vikings

Free Agent Status: Unrestricted

Chester Taylor was one of the premier running backs in the NFC, until recently.
His power and ability to catch out of the backfield have formed him into a great asset to any offense. Then came along Adrian Peterson.

Peterson is (arguably) the best back in the league and will more than likely end his career in Canton.

Chester Taylor still has a lot to offer. He can help develop a young running back and he would be productive in a multi-back system with the role of a third down / short yardage back.

Minnesota has not shown that it is crucial for them to retain him and it seems to just be time for them two to part ways.

I don't see Taylor wearing purple next year.

Projection: Chester Taylor will leave Minnesota and will be picked up by New England or Houston.

Darren Sproles

2009 Team: San Diego Chargers

Free Agent Status: Restricted

Could the Chargers lose both of their starting running backs in one offseason? It is highly unlikely, but its even more unlikely that they will retain both of them.

Darren Sproles is young and electric, which makes since becuase he's a Charger. Sproles looks ready to take on a full-time starting role. So the Chargers have to choose between Sproles and Tomlinson.

If the Chargers do the unlikely and keep LT, Sproles will be gone, but expect San Diego to go with this guy. He is ready for the wear and tear of a full season.

Coming off of a franchise tag, Sproles and the Chargers should be ready to construct a long term contract.

Projection: Darren Sproles will remain in San Diego.

Ronnie Brown

2009 Team: Miami Dolphins

Free Agent Status: Restricted

Ronnie Brown re-established football back in Miami when he and Ricky Williams brought the Wildcat offense to the NFL.

Two short years later, he is a free agent and possibly testing the market...

Although he is restricted, he very well could leave the Dolphins if they don't put up the money he wants.

Brown has a great mix of speed and power, is very intelligent, and has great vision.

He would be a starter for any team the could afford to sign him among the rest of their running backs.

If he were not restricted in this uncapped year, he would probably be one of the biggest stories of the offseason. But because of his status, expect him to continue to wear green and white next season.

Projection: Ronnie Brown will remain in Miami.

LenDale White

2009 Team: Tennessee Titans

Free Agent Status: Restricted

Chris Johnson ran for over 2,000 yards last season.

The Titans may as well cut every other running back on the offense, and that includes not resigning LenDale White. His power and size are no longer needed in Tennessee.

Although he's restricted, becoming an unrestricted free agent is probable.

Many teams could use a power back such like White. The 25-year old could land anywhere as long as he doesn't put his sights to much on money.

He will be a fun player to follow once free agency hits in March.

Projection: LenDale White will leave Tennessee for Houston.