New York Jets: Should the Jets Bring Back LaDainian Tomlinson?
The New York Jets are weighing their options in terms of LaDainian Tomlinson. The veteran running back is signed on with the team through 2011, but the Jets may decide to release him instead of bringing him back.
Tomlinson is a surefire Hall of Fame running back, but New York is trying to decide if he has enough left in him to warrant the roster spot and the $2.425 million he would be owed.
What's the best decision for the Jets?
Here are five reasons why New York should bring him back and five reasons why it should let Tomlinson go.
5. Yes: Tomlinson Has Rare Versatility
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In addition to leading the Jets in rushing in 2010 with 914 yards, Tomlinson caught 51 passes.
Tomlinson is one of the most complete running backs the NFL has ever seen. He doesn't just run. He catches, blocks and above all, scores touchdowns.
Tomlinson is willing to do whatever it takes at this point in his career, and he does most of it very well.
5. No: Tomlinson Is Too Old
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Tomlinson will be 32 years old in June. Most running backs are lucky to make it to 30 and still be productive.
Tomlinson showed he had some juice left in his legs in 2010, but it's doubtful he has enough for another season.
Is it worth it to keep the aged and still aging Tomlinson?
4. Yes: Tomlinson Is Affordable
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If Tomlinson is willing to take on an even more complimentary role—although he ended up as the No. 1 back in 2010—the Jets could afford to pay him to do so.
He's only owed $2.425 million in 2011. If he can be the second or third back for the Jets, provide 500 yards of rushing and 25 catches, Tomlinson would be well worth the option.
He's past his days of asking for big money. He just wants a ring.
4. No: Tomlinson Faded Down the Stretch in 2010
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Tomlinson sure turned some heads early in 2010. He looked five years younger, bursting through holes, putting moves on defenders and getting up field in a hurry. Through the first six games of the season, Tomlinson averaged 5.3 yards per carry.
Then the Jets had a bye week. After the bye, Tomlinson played in nine games and only averaged 3.3 yards per carry.
His numbers boosted in the first two rounds of the playoffs, but it doesn't hide the fact that LT couldn't maintain steady production through a whole season. How could he be a year older?
3. Yes: Weak Draft Class Leaves No Answers
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The running back class in the 2011 NFL Draft is rather shallow. There is no must have prospect. Both Alabama's Mark Ingram and Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams are solid picks, but they're not the answer.
If the Jets do get Ingram, they'll have to trade up from 30th to do so and then pay him a first-round contract that will be more expensive than Tomlinson's.
If they draft Williams, it will likely be too high in the first, or they'll likely miss him in the second round.
3. No: Shonn Greene
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Shonn Greene had plenty of expectation heaped on him going into 2010 and disappointed early on. But he had some nice games down the stretch and should be able to buck the sophomore slump.
Greene is a physical runner that has the skills to be the No. 1 back. He's young and ready to take the pounding that comes with being a NFL running back. Go ahead and feed him the ball 250 times or more and he'll keep popping back up.
A season of mentoring from Tomlinson helps as well.
2. Yes: Free Agents Will Be Too Expensive
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Do you really expect the Jets to go out and sign Arian Foster, Ahmad Bradshaw or DeAngelo Williams? The Jets already had the league's sixth highest payroll in 2010.
Braylon Edwards is a free agent that they could let walk to free up money. But that's making a hole to fill another. For Tomlinson's production, he's a steal.
None of the free agents that can deliver what the Jets are looking for is affordable.
2. No: Joe McKnight Is in Tomlinson's Mold
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Joe McKnight rarely touched the ball in 2010, but when he did, he was productive. In his only major action of the season, McKnight rushed 32 times for 158 yards in a Week 17 win over the Buffalo Bills.
It was the Bills and it was Week 17, when a lot of playoff-eliminated teams pack it in.
But McKnight is a very similar back to Tomlinson—he runs and catches out of the backfield well. If the Jets feel he's ready to produce, they could just bump McKnight up the depth chart.
1. Yes: Tomlinson Provides Veteran Leadership
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LaDainian Tomlinson has done a lot of winning in his career. He's never won a Super Bowl and has serious desire to do so.
He won't tear a team apart. He won't cause problems. All he will do is work hard and show everyone else how to do the same.
Tomlinson is a leader on the field, in the weight room and in the film room. Guys with his leadership qualities and pedigree are hard to find.
1. No: Plenty of Replacement Options
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Tomlinson is not irreplaceable. Not only can he be replaced, but the Jets have options for doing so if they so choose.
They can promote from within, draft a replacement or look into the free-agent market. They could miss on any of the three, but if they don't believe in Tomlinson as the answer, doing nothing doesn't help.
Conclusion: Letting Tomlinson Go Is Best Choice
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Maybe the most telling play of the entire season for LaDainian Tomlinson was the 4th-and-goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game. The younger Tomlinson would have leaped over the pile and into the end zone for the all-important score.
The older Tomlinson ran right into the mass and got stuffed. As productive as he was at times in 2010, Tomlinson isn't what the Jets need.
I don't know which is the best option for replacing him. Turning the running game over to Shonn Greene and Joe McKnight seems premature. Going the free-agent route seems expensive. Drafting a running back seems too hopeful for results.
But if it's broken, the Jets need to try to fix it somehow.
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