Tomlinson Given A Big Chance With The Jets
Published March 15, 2010 | 
Tomlinson has signed with the New York Jets for around $5.5 million. This is a huge signing for both the Jets and Ladainian Tomlinson. The Jets were #1 in the NFL with over 170 yards rushing per game. That is the best rushing we’ve seen in years in the NFL and it catapulted them into the AFC championship game against the Colts. The Jets cut their #1 running back from last year, Thomas Jones, who rushed for 1402 yards and 14 TDs.
Now, Tomlinson isn’t the same rusher that Thomas Jones is. He’s less of a straight downhill rusher and more of a quick pass catching back. LT won’t be asked what Jones was last year but will split carries with Shonn Greene and immensely help Mark Sanchez out of the backfield, as LT is one of the best pass catching backs in NFL history. Lets focus on the Pro’s of this deal and ignore the very few cons (high salary, bad production for LT last year, age):
Pros for the New York Jets:
- Tomlinson is going to sell a ton of jerseys. There is a lot of money in the New York area and every fan always like having the hottest players jersey. They will make up the salary in jersey sales alone.
- NYJ lost their #1 rusher (by choice) and needed a replacement. They upgraded the position with Shonn Greene having an entire off-season and confidence and bring in LT.
- NEW 1.6 BILLION Stadium. The new Meadowlands Stadium to be shared by the Jets and Giants needs to fill the stands with expensive seats. Tomlinson will attract a great deal of interest along with last year’s playoff success.
- LT is pissed. Hes pissed, hes motivated, he wants to prove people wrong. He also has always been driven by legacy, not money. His career goals have always been to beat the top rushing records, and that kind of publicity can make the Jets a lot of money (See Alex Rodriguez contract with Yankees based on record breaking).
Pros for Ladainian Tomlinson:
- Records: The touchdown record is well within reach for LT. He is 2nd all-time in rushing TD’s (138) to Emmitt Smith (164) by only 26 TD’s. Hell get 11 TD’s this year. LT is a redzone commodity.
- He is 8th all time in rushing yards with 12,490 yards. He doesn’t have much of a chance of beating Emmitt for this one, but if he revitalizes his career somehow in NY, anythings possible with LT’s drive.
- Money: He’s making $6 million this year. That’s a lot. Not quite as much as Jake Delhomme is getting (wow!), but it’s a good take for a 30+ year old running back. Apparently the Vikings offered more money but not by much.
- Play Time: Tomlinson will split time with Shonn Greene, who will get the bulk of the carries. LT will see a lot of screen passes and routes from Sanchez and will get a good # of rushes. He will rush for a whole lot more than 3.3 yards per carry this year. If he had gone to the Vikings he and his career would have been overshadowed by Peterson’s physical dominance and epic runs.
Only time will tell how well LT does with the Jets and how much further his career can go. I think hell surprise a lot of people this year. And he’ll continue to get opportunities in the league after his time with the Jets.
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