Last Days of a Hall of Famer? The Fate of LT in San Diego

LaDainian Tomlinson has been the face of the San Diego Chargers virtually since he came into the NFL.  His production has been of the highest level, and he has been among the most enjoyable stars of the game to watch.  But are his days in San Diego coming to an end?

Tomlinson will turn 30 before the start of the 2009 season.  Everyone knows that for an NFL running back, that usually marks the end of the road.  For one like Tomlinson, who has endured much hard use and punishment over the years, even moreso.  Plus, his last two seasons have ended with him on the sidelines injured when the Chargers could've used him the most.

So what does GM A.J. Smith do?  He's stated that he will do "what is best for the team, which is what I was hired to do."  Not very clear.  But Smith does have a bit of history regarding this.  It may not bode well for Tomlinson or his legion of fans.

To check Smith's history fully, one has to go back to his late mentor, John Butler.  Smith & Butler came to San Diego together from Buffalo, after Ralph Wilson made the mistake of firing Butler.  As Buffalo is my home, and where I first learned to love the NFL, I watched this first-hand, and having watched Butler, both in Buffalo and San Diego, I think I have a pretty good idea of how Smith will handle things.

Butler was the guy who, in the end, decided (correctly, I would add) that Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, and Bruce Smith could no longer play up to their own level of standards, never mind the level of paycheck they'd be getting.  All three were summarily dismissed on one of the blackest days in Buffalo Bills history. 

However, although Butler's judgement and actions were for the good of the team, many fans couldn't get past the way it happened, and in the end, Butler took the hit for it.  As Butler's pupil, this may be the big clue as to how Smith will proceed.

Smith's initial move, I expect, may be to offer LT a restructured deal, which will amount to a pay cut.  He will prefer to keep him around for goodwill with the fans, as well as the fact that Darren Sproles is not an every down NFL back, and is best suited to be the change of pace guy with a featured back.  But Smith, who views running backs as disposable commodities, will be looking for a replacement for LT, possibly in this year's draft.  And it won't be early, either.

Tomlinson, for his part, may not be inclined to accept a pay cut.  That is his right & he's earned it.  This, however is what Thomas, Reed, and Smith were offered in Buffalo, & all three refused.  Should Tomlinson refuse to accept the pay cut, my belief is that the same result will apply to him.  What is regrettable is that circumstances give Smith virtually no option.

For all his valuable service, Tomlinson is what he is: A very hard used RB, who is beginning to show injury wear from all the use, and is about to turn 30.  Plus, with the NFL's CBA status very much in doubt, it would behoove Smith to act while he can to free up money for what could become an ugly, expensive, and hopefully short time where money becomes a huge issue for all NFL teams. 

Add in Philip Rivers reaching the end of his rookie contract and the Chargers beginning to look more and more like Rivers' team, and one that leans toward the pass at that, and the most likely scenario becomes a sad ending.

An ending that sends perhaps the best Charger of all time, LaDanian Tomlinson, to the exit.