LaDainian Tomlinson Has Heard Trade Rumors, and He's Ignoring Them, Thanks

Ryan mentioned the possibility this morning that the San Diego Chargers could trade LaDainian Tomlinson this offseason; I suppose it kind of makes sense considering he really hasn't factored into their final game during each of the last two seasons. Oh, and for the most part he looked more Dungy than Tony himself this season.

Well, those rumors have circulated just enough to hit the blogs, the mainstream and then filter their way back to sunny San Diego and LDT himself. For his part, he's choosing to pretend like they're just that: rumors.

Tomlinson says he's heard the rumors that the Chargers may trade him, allowing them to keep the cheaper Darren Sproles and get some younger players and draft picks to build a stronger future. Tomlinson still has 4 years left on his contract, and says management has not told him anything.

"As far as I'm concerned, I haven't had any indications. I'm still under contract and until told otherwise, I'll prepare to play football here," he said.

Well, obviously, A.J. Smith and Norv Turner aren't going to ring Tomlinson up and let him know they're weighing various options just yet, but you better believe there's a team out there that's willing to cough up a draft pick for a chance to catch one or two good years of LaDainian. (But a third-rounder? Really? That's it?)

I think, anyway. While he's still a lock for Canton, there's also a pretty nasty stigma floating around former MVP, record setting franchise backs who crossed an age plateau before falling off into obscurity. So, yeah, the Redskins will probably trade for him.

Of course, where does that leave the Chargers? And why is everyone just acting like Sproles will suddenly perform like he did against Indianapolis over the course of a 16 game season. He's fast and versatile, but as far as I can tell, he's best used in conjuction with a feature styled back that can set him up to be the home run guy.

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The Denver Broncos' new coach, Josh McDaniels, joins his wife, Laura, for a photograph after he was introduced during a news conference at the NFL football team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. McDaniels, 32, was offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

New Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels addresses the media during a news conference at the Broncos training center in Englewood, Colorado January 12, 2009. The 32-year-old has agreed a four-year contract and will be introduced at 1900 local time, the team said on their website. Mike Shanahan was fired on December 30 after 13 years as head coach. Denver has failed to reach the playoffs in the last three seasons. REUTERS/Nathan W. Armes (UNITED STATES)

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The Denver Broncos' new coach, Josh McDaniels, left, and his wife, Laura, pose for a photograph after a news conference at the NFL football team's offices in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. McDaniels, 32, who was offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots, has agreed to a four-year contract with the Broncos. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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The Denver Broncos' new coach, Josh McDaniels, talks during a news conference in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. McDaniels, 32, comes to the NFL football team after serving as offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots; he has agreed to a four-year contract. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, center, talks about the hiring of Josh McDaniels as the NFL football team's coach, after a news conference in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. McDaniels, 32, who was offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots. agreed to a four-year contract with the Broncos. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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