Chris CrockettCould LaDainian Tomlinson Be Next Running Back To Attempt Going Out On Top In New England?
February 23rd 2010 14:00
Antowain Smith was 29 when he came to New England in 2001 and became a Patriot. Corey Dillon was 30 when he arrived in 2004. Smith played a significant role in the 2001 and 2003 Super Bowl winning seasons. Dillon did the same in 2004. Could LaDainian Tomlinson be the next running back to surface in Foxboro in the twilight of his spectacular career, and attempt to go out on top?
Tomlinson was released by the San Diego Chargers yesterday. He was due to receive a $2M salary bonus in March, which pretty much sealed his fate in sunny San Diego.
LT's numbers took a big hit in 2009, but he still put the ball in the end zone 12 times for the Chargers. He finished with 730 yds after missing some time early in the season due to injury.
Now, the question is, would Billy 'Darth Vader' Belichick ever be interested in taking a flyer on Tomlinson? Also, what would it cost? Laurence Maroney is in the final year of his contract and it is widely thought that the Pats will re-sign Kevin Faulk to a short term deal. Would the three headed monster of LT-Maroney-Faulk be something that would interest Belichick?
Remember after the 2007 AFC Championship game against LT's Chargers? LT criticized the Patriots for acting classless and also threw a grenade at Belichick during his rant:
"When you go to the middle of our field, when you start doing the dance that Shawne Merriman(Chargers star linebacker) is known for, that's disrespectful to me. And I can't sit there and watch that. And so, yeah, I was very upset. And just the fact that they showed no class at all. Absolutely no class. And maybe that comes from their head coach. So you know, there you have it."
Would that make a difference to Darth Vader if he wanted to seriously entertain the thought of making LT a Patriot? HELL NO. Darth Vader is a stone cold businessman when it comes to things of this nature. Not to mention, he and LT kissed and made nice at the Pro Bowl right after that game in 2007.
So what do you think? Could LT be the next great running back to pick up the pieces and go out with a bang in New England? A lot less would be asked of him than what was asked out of Smith and Dillon. Not to mention, this is Tom Brady's team here in New England and the Patriots throw the ball more than they pound it on the ground. LT could be a nasty weapon running the football and coming out of the backfield as a receiver and also wouldn't have to worry about being an every down back.
LT to the Beantown state. To be, or not to be?
Chuck
~TCFB~
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