What do the Chargers do with LT?

[rjb1816]

He's owed 9 million this season, if they release or trade him they only pay 2 million. He had 1100 yards this year, which is not that great but he looked to be running well at the end of the year. However, in the teams final game of the last two years he was unable to play due to injury. Is it a sign that he's old? Or is it a fluke year, since he's been healthy for his entire career?


Key players the chargers could use that money on are Sproles (FA), Rivers, Vjax, Merriman all contracts up after 2009

[cuse_man]

what do you think ?

can they get more than what he is really worth right now given his name ?

[Dr. Jack]

He is wearing down but I can't see the Chargers releasing him. If they can get a 2nd round pick for him (not so sure they can) - I say do it.

He probably still has a good year or two left if he can stay healthy but his best days are behind him so get something if you can. JMO

[rjb1816]

Originally Posted by cuse_man

what do you think ?

can they get more than what he is really worth right now given his name ?

i'm torn

as a gm, you HAVE to get that 9 million dollars down somehow. My first attempt would be to ask him to redo the deal so we can use the extra money to extend others. Then I would go to trading, then finally would be release.


as a fan, I want him to stay. I dont want to see him play in another uniform and I know how bad he wants to win a title and I feel his best chance is likely here and still have an impact.

[cuse_man]

yea. just seems weird to talk about trading/getting rid of LT

On the other hand I don't really think of him as an ego maniac, but do you really think he would take a big pay cut?

[Steel]

I think now that you have sproles running so well I think it would be wise to get another back with size to compliment sproles. I hate to say but I think LT is near the end. He ripped the meat away in his proin area. That has to be sore as hell and one might think that he may never recover to be the back he once was. I say they trade him and try and get a bigger back in the draft or perhaps via trade. Interesting you bring this up, I was wanting to ask you this same question.

[rjb1816]

Originally Posted by cuse_man

yea. just seems weird to talk about trading/getting rid of LT

On the other hand I don't really think of him as an ego maniac, but do you really think he would take a big pay cut?

Im not sure he would take a paycut, he may rather be released and go somewhere that they run first. This is Rivers' team now and i'm not sure how that has sat with him. He's been kind of mad at the organization for a while for dumping brees and marty. Tough to say what he's gonna do really

[rjb1816]

Originally Posted by Steel

I think now that you have sproles running so well I think it would be wise to get another back with size to compliment sproles. I hate to say but I think LT is near the end. He ripped the meat away in his proin area. That has to be sore as hell and one might think that he may never recover to be the back he once was. I say they trade him and try and get a bigger back in the draft or perhaps via trade. Interesting you bring this up, I was wanting to ask you this same question.

Its the hot topic in town now that the season is over. They draft at 16 so there will be very good rbs on the board, its tough to say right now what they will do

[cuse_man]

yea your right. forgot about that... never really seemed like he cared much for rivers

[BigdaddyQH]

First, he has not been healthy for the past season and 1/2. He is only going to get worse. This is why getting rid of Turner was such a huge mistake. The Chargers must keep him, because Sproles can not take the physical punishment over an entire season. The Chargers should go to a running back by committee set up. More importantly, they should find a #1 WR and give more responsibility to Rivers, who is now the offensive star on the team.

[Windy City Irish]

he seems like one of those guys though that has a ton of pride and if he was traded would go on a tear and make SD wish they never did. IMO

[Slammer]

This question was better asked last year, when Michael Turner was still in the fold and LT's value was higher. Had they traded/released him then, Turner could have been locked up long-term and they may well not have missed a beat going forward.

The current situation is dicier because getting rid of him would leave a big hole now, but it's probably reasonable to assume that there will be some good, or at least servicable, backs in the middle of the first round, so not necessaily a hiuge dropoff going forward by cutting bait with him this off-season.

Certainly an interesting point of debate. Long-term, it might be best to end it with him now and try and retool.

[rjb1816]

Originally Posted by Slammer

This question was better asked last year, when Michael Turner was still in the fold and LT's value was higher. Had they traded/released him then, Turner could have been locked up long-term and they may well not have missed a beat going forward.

The current situation is dicier because getting rid of him would leave a big hole now, but it's probably reasonable to assume that there will be some good, or at least servicable, backs in the middle of the first round, so not necessaily a hiuge dropoff going forward by cutting bait with him this off-season.

Certainly an interesting point of debate. Long-term, it might be best to end it with him now and try and retool.

You couldnt do it last year though. He had a very good season, lead the NFL in rushing and just happened to get hurt for the first time in the playoff game. Trading him at that point would have been absolute disaster...especially when you are trying to get a new stadium

[BigFratDaddy]

I honestly think he was banged up all year. Hopefully he can get right in the offseason and come back strong. I would definately lower his touches with Sproles and look to the draft this year for an every down back type replacement for the future....

They wont get what they want for him in a trade, and releasing him would have too much backlash imo...

He might restructure, but if i were him that would be dumb to back load a contract at his age.

[ZoomVT]

i heard belichik just called and they are closed to a deal...