Did Minnesota Flub Favre's Return by Not Signing LaDainian Tomlinson?

The New York Jets signed longtime Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson to a two-year deal on Sunday.

Tomlinson, a fierce competitor and one of the most stand-up guys in the NFL, has closed the book on the San Diego team he helped resurrect and develop into a consistent playoff contender. San Diego released Tomlinson this year following his least-productive pro season ever (730 yards rushing, 3.3 yards per carry, 12 touchdowns and 154 yards receiving).

The question begs asking; how could San Diego just let go of the man who has been the face of their organization for the last decade? 

Despite the obvious deterioration of his skills in recent years, Tomlinson remains one of the best in third down/goal line situations or as a receiver out of the backfield. With the Chargers as a perennial Super Bowl contender, one would think they could use a player of his talents, not to mention the sentimental side of retaining one of the best players in the history of their franchise.

But let's ignore all of that for a moment, as another team actually lost out more than San Diego on this deal. And that team would be the Minnesota Vikings, who tried unsuccessfully to entice Tomlinson into a contract earlier in the week.

Not only does this allow other NFC North teams to breathe easier, but it could easily spill over into the negotiation of another Hall of Fame talent, quarterback Brett Favre.

Quarterbacks are always looking for two things in their team: more weapons and better protection. Favre already has a good amount of both in Minnesota, evidenced by his 33 touchdown, 7 interception, 107.2 quarterback rating in 2009. But the loss of Chester Taylor to the Bears leaves a 44 reception, 389 yard hole in their offensive scheme.

Tomlinson could have filled that hole, and more. And it could have been the final piece to insure Favre's return in 2010.

In New York, Tomlinson will serve as a mentor for running backs Leon Washington and Shonn Greene while providing second year quarterback Mark Sanchez with a reliable outlet target in the flats. And with New York's former lead rusher Thomas Jones released and signed with Kansas City, the Jets were in need of a known commodity at the goal line.

It's an excellent fit; Tomlinson is certainly no longer capable of holding down the featured back position, but can still be a versatile role player, team leader and veteran influence for this young and brash team head coach Rex Ryan has put together.

Minnesota, meanwhile, had less of a need on paper for Tomlinson's services. With all-world talent Adrian Peterson in the backfield, a third down back is not much of a need. And between up-and-coming talents Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, and Visanthe Shiancoe, there are plenty of available targets in the passing game.

The implications run much deeper, though. Peterson's inability to hold on to the football have been a detriment to the team. His NFC Championship performance is the best example of this, where he was credited with two fumbles and was the recipient of a poor hand-off exchange for a third.

Tomlinson would have been a solid choice to mentor Peterson and help address his fumbling issues. And in the meantime, the Vikings would have little to worry about on third and short with Tomlinson protecting the ball.

Having a reliable option in the backfield last year would have kept the Vikings from relying so heavily on Favre as well. As the season progressed, Favre was asked to do more and more to help the Vikings win. A player like Tomlinson would provide another talent to share that burden when the game is on the line.

Finally, Tomlinson's signing would have almost guaranteed Favre's return. With the youth and talent on this Minnesota team, and Favre's stellar statistical performance last season, I am already convinced Favre will take the field for the Vikings in 2010.

Having Tomlinson with him in the backfield, I believe, would have cemented the deal.

Another cog of Tomlinson's caliber in the Vikings' multi-headed hydra of an offense could have been the final piece for a team already strong on both sides of the ball but couldn't protect the ball when it needed to the most.

Favre will still be back—he had too good a season and came too close to another ring not to—but with Tomlinson on board it should have been a much shorter wait for the biggest waffle outside of your local diner to sign on for another year.

Instead, Vikings fans will continue to sit with fingers crossed while New York takes the next step in the AFC East arms race.