After nine years with the San Diego Chargers, LaDainian Tomlinson has been released by the team.  He was tearful as he bid good-bye to the place he has called home for almost a decade.  At 30 years of age, with several injuries slowing him, LT has become what many people view as a typical NFL veteran, bruised, battered and beat up.

But is his career over?

Rumors flew last week that Drew Brees was lobbying for LT to move to the New Orleans Saints, but honestly, the Saints don’t need him.  They showed last season that they have a very well-oiled machine when it comes to their offence.  They don’t have anyone they would want to sit, should they hire LT.  Plus there is the issue of the salary cap.  It just wouldn’t work for LT to go to New Orleans.

However, the Washington Redskins are building.  Coach Mike Shanahan has had more than a full-time job in this off season, negotiating, wrangling and strengthening his team.   He has made it his business to ensure he has the very best team he can possibly arrange heading to the 2010 pre-season and beyond.  Why not add another brick to that foundation?

LaDainian Tomlinson was instrumental in making the San Diego Chargers the strong team they are today.  Who can forget  2006, his best yet, when he was named MVP and set the record for single season touchdowns with 31.  Yes, he was injured in 2009.  However, he should be completely healthy heading into the 2010 season and the Redskins could definitely use a skilled running back.  Clinton Portis has said he is confident he has the number one spot for the ‘Skins, but a little competition for that spot could only be a good thing, in this writer’s opinion.  Ladell Betts was also injured last year, so both his and Portis health could be an issue.

Mike Shanahan has already said he and LT are acquainted and he keeps in touch, following LT’s career.  He has also already said he pays attention to what players do in the off season.  And he’ll be attending the Combine.  The Redskins hold the number 4 pick in the first round, meaning they should have the opportunity to make a strong pick.  They need a quarterback (more about that later) and could go with Colt McCoy if he is still available.  Also, Clemson’s CJ Stiller would be an excellent choice in the running back position, but may not be available by the 4th choice.  Shanahan will likely look at later rounds to find a quality RB, and honestly, so he should.  However, he could also look at LT.  Yes, it may be a stretch, especially given the injuries and that could be the single factor that eliminates him from Shanahan’s sites.  Why add another injured RB to the two he already has?  Surely a healthy younger RB would be a better choice?  Possibly, but a younger running back, fresh out of university will take time to groom.  He will have to adjust to the NFL playing style and it has been said so often that an incredible college player may only achieve MFL mediocrity.   In my opinion, adding LT to the Redskins’ roster and in effect, creating a competition for the starting position,  will only “encourage” the existing players to step up their efforts to be the very best, and that is something the Redskins definitely need.