This is the last time I talk about why the Chargers should trade LaDainian Tomlinson, I promise.

Tomlinson is the best running back in the NFL, for now. The thing about NFL RB’s is you never know when they are going to break down. Often it just happens overnight. Shaun Alexander was the league MVP two years ago, but the Seahawks gave their 4th quarter carries to Maurice Morris (yes, THE Maurice Morris).

When Alexander was having his MVP season, the team was dragging their feet on a contract extension. Why? Because they knew overpaying for a running back who is close to 30 years old just doesn’t make sense. In the end, they reluctantly gave one to Shaun, and ever since he has been a complete shell of himself. He has been completely irrelevant for the past two seasons, averaging 800 yards with a sub 3.6 yards per carry.

Now let’s look at Tomlinson. He will be 29 years old when the season starts, and will have logged over 2900 touches for his career. During his first game, the team fed him the ball 36 times. He may be “only” 29 but that is in human years. In running back years he is more like 34. Also, you just know his suck job in the AFC Championship game has rubbed a number of Charger fans the wrong way. He may not have been able to play, but that is no reason for him to sulk on the bench with his head down and his helmet on. Doesn’t a leader at least try to, you know, cheer on the rest of the team instead of being a massive buzz kill?

That said, San Diego could get a king’s ransom of draft picks for him right now. The team is poised to be good for a long time. Why not stock up on draft picks, improve your depth and try to land a high-impact WR? The drop-off between Tomlinson and Michael Turner/Darren Sproles is not that great; Turner would be a 1300-yard back on this team.

So, who would be interested in Tomlinson? I’m glad you asked. Here are a couple teams who would have more than a passing interest:

Atlanta - If the team loved Jerious Norwood so much, how come they never gave him the ball? He only had one game with more than 9 carries. Also they need a marquee star with Vick behind bars.

Arizona -Edgerrin James is wearing down and just doesn’t provide the same explosive power that Tomlinson does.

Jets - Thomas Jones is not the answer.

Tampa Bay - The Cadillac may never be the same after his injury. Is Ernest Graham really a long-term answer? Plus, Gruden needs to put together back-to-back winning seasons.

The Chargers would get killed in the short term by the media but two years from now everyone would agree it was the right move. Too bad it probably won't happen.

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