LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers agree on new 3-year deal
Written by The Go-To-Man Mattie T. on March 11, 2009
After perhaps experiencing his most disappointing NFL season, San Diego Chargers’ running back LaDainian Tomlinson is now out to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank.
Tomlinson was able to agree Tuesday night to a restructred contact which could very well keep him in San Diego for the rest of his career. The terms of the new deal have not yet been disclosed, but Tomlinson was originally scheduled to make $24 million over the next 3 years.
Even though Tomlinson appeared in all 16 games for San Diego last season, he totaled career-lows in rushing attempts (292), rushing yards (1,110) & yards per game (69.4) while playing with toe & groin injuries.
Tomlinson also averaged just 3.8 yards per game & scored 11 rushing touchdowns, which are his lowest totals since LaDainian’s rookie season in 2001.
The Chargers felt while Darren Sproles figures to play a bigger offensive role with the team next season, he is not yet ready to handle a full load as a full-time starting running back. While Sproles did catch a career-high 29 receptions last season (5 of his 6 touchdowns were via receiving), he has only had 2 games in his 3-year career with 20 rushes or more.
Tomlinson will also look to shake off recent playoff failures, as he has combined to rush 35 times for just 100 yards in his last 4 postseason games.
LaDainian’s last 100-yard playoff game came on January 14th, 2007 when he rushed for 123 yards on 22 carries & scored 2 touchdowns during San Diego’s 24-21 AFC Divisional Playoff loss to New England.
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