LaDainian Tomlinson: Will He Be a New York Jet in 2011?
The New York Jets have an entire offseason to think about the sting of three and six. They will be licking their wounds and regrouping for next year. There is more than a few decisions to be made, and it starts with a future hall of famer and where he fits in to the Jets 2011-2012 plans.
LaDainian Tomlinson gave the Jets more than they expected last season, but now he eyes free agency. The question is: will he be worth it to bring back? Here’s a look at both sides of the coin. Why he will…and why he won’t come to New York.
5. Yes: He Comes Cheap
1 of 11
Tomlinson was a productive back for the Jets and bringing him back will only cost the Jets $2.4 million. Since he’s not the feature back, this is an attractive and affordable option.
5. No: He’s over the Hill
2 of 11
Sure, Tomlinson proved he was better than a broken down back, but the clock doesn’t go back for LT. He’s still going to be 32 next season and the Jets don’t want to rest their Super Bowl hopes on the shoulders of a guy that age.
4. Yes: He Averaged 4.2
3 of 11
That’s 4.2 yards per carry. That’s almost as good as his 2007 numbers with the Chargers. He might not be Chris Johnson, but 4.2 is serious number.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. No: His Average Is Deceiving
4 of 11
4.2 is a respectable number of yards per carry, but let's be totally honest: that was padded by a big early part of the season. He averaged just 3.3 yards the rest of the way. That’s not the kind of explosive style LT has been known for.
3. Yes: Strike Shortened Season Helps
5 of 11
If there is a lockout, a 32-year-old back will fare much better in a smaller number of games. Through in the early part of the season Tomlinson was averaging 5.5 yards a carry and was the Jets' best weapon. Less games make LT a better player.
3. No: He Can’t Handle Another Season
6 of 11
He faded down the stretch and that doesn’t quite tell the story. Of the last 127 carries of the season, LT didn’t have one run longer than 14 yards. From a back that should have burst, that doesn’t feel like it.
2. Yes: He Brings Leadership
7 of 11
By now you have all seen the ESPN story on how he read Lombardi to the team. While it’s cheesy to the audience, football players eat that sort of stuff for breakfast. LT gives a younger Jets team some veteran leadership. It never hurts to have a hall of famer in your locker room.
2.No: Too Much Ego
8 of 11
LT was willing to take the backup role when he was trying to prove he could still play. Chances are he feels like he can, so what will he want from the Jets if he stays? Cutting ties with LT will serve the Jets better in the long run.
1.Yes: Is There A Better Option?
9 of 11
Given that there might be a strike, and there might be too many backs that are out of their price range (remember they have Braylon Edwards to pay if they choose to). Tomlinson showed he had life left in those legs and he should be able to give the Jets help, especially if it’s a labor locked season.
1.No: A Dime A Dozen
10 of 11
While elite backs like Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson are hard to come by, serviceable backs are easy to come by. Plugging a guy in to fit the need of a back-up can be done for cheaper and younger.
Conclusion
11 of 11
The Jets are probably glad they picked up LT, as he gave the Jets more production than most teams thought he could. But LT faded at the end and at the age of 32 there is more doom and gloom than there is sunshine.
It’s time for the Jets to say “thank you,” and let LT rush off into the sunset.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")