Why LaDainian Tomlinson Will Be a New Orleans Saint

I know there are numerous reasons why LaDainian Tomlinson will not make the move from San Diego to New Orleans.

Salary cap space issues.

Having to give up a draft pick.

The issue it would create with Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas (talk about a crowded backfield).

But there are a number of reasons why this makes sense:

Tomlinson is not happy with the way he feels he is being treated by the Chargers front office, particularly when comparing his negotiations to the contract Darren Sproles just signed.

Tomlinson and Brees have a good rapport on the field, but more importantly, are very good friends off it.

Even more important, their wives are very close.

Tomlinson has to be intrigued by the prospect of playing in Sean Payton's offense, where Brees just missed breaking Dan Marino's passing record despite being without a number of his weapons for much of the season.

There are a number of people who say Tomlinson is on the decline.  He may not be what he once was, but he was still good enough to finish eighth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage and score 13 TDs.

And finally, Brees and Tomlinson share an agent in Tom Condon, which would likely ease the negotiations.

Still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the city of New Orleans needs and deserves a winner more than any other city. Brees has been a model citizen and has done much to help rebuild New Orleans.

He was honored for his generosity by receiving the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2006.  Who did he share that award with? Why, LaDainian Tomlinson of course.

As a fan of professional football, it's hard not to get excited by the prospects of having Tomlinson and Reggie Bush lining up in the backfield (and all over the field).  Add Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore (if signed), and Jeremy Shockey to the mix and defenses would have to pick their poison in terms of what they would try to take away.