News: LaDainian on his way to New York
Bassett reported earlier today that LT would be visiting the Jets facilities if he couldn’t come to an agreement with the Vikings. And after spending several hours at the Vikings facilities, the AP reports that LT is making his way to New York after no agreement could be reached between the Vikings and LT.
However Jim Trotter pointed out that LT was “wowed” by the Vikings and said the Jets would have to “bring it” if they truly wanted Tomlinson in Green and White.
AP: LaDainian Tomlinson has left the Minnesota Vikings facility without a deal in place and is on his way to New York to visit the Jets.
A person with knowledge of the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the star running back spent several hours at Vikings headquarters Thursday, but did not reach agreement on a contract. The person requested anonymity because negotiations were ongoing.
Trotter: Trotter says that, if the Jets really want Tomlinson, “they’ll have to bring it.” L.T. told Trotter that the Vikings “really wowed him,” and that he “could see himself playing there.”
It would not surprise me if Tanny took a hard look at Tomlinson. Obviously he can’t be an every down back anymore but I don’t think the Jets can afford to hand the entire backfield to Shonn Greene just yet after all he only saw a lot of time towards the end of the season so he had plenty of rest before hand. You know Tanny always looking to make a splash and I would not be surprised to see “Trader” Mike pull some strings to bring in Tomlinson (though I believe the Jets should look at the other options available).
What are your thoughts on the matter?
133 Responses to News: LaDainian on his way to New York
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johnl says:
o.k LT strike one
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WE have to bring NOTHING……less talk more action buddy
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Dave says:
For the right price, I think it’s a good fit. As long as he’s willing to accept a reduced role. I think he’s a very good back at the goal line. The guys lives to score touchdowns. Plus he can catch the ball out of the backfield.
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There is a need for a backfield veteran in the green/white future, the new stadium demands it and Woody/Tanny/Rex will make it work.
I can’t see how LT not be part of this and enjoy the NY Ciircus.
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i hate him already
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OriginalJetFan says:
tanny,
grab this guy, i think with this team, you can catch lightning in a bottle and see the old LT if he’s used wisely>
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Daniel says:
Wouldn’t mind LT. He has some in the tank as a tandem back and could be a good leader.
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JOE C from CT says:
Lt and Marshall! GIVE UP THE FIRST ALREADY!!
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atrain says:
GIVE HIM 2YR 4MILL PLUS INCENTIVES….. NEW STADIUM . BRING HIM IN………………..
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GangreenTed says:
Ive warmed to the idea of LT in green and white…i think havin a back that has great hands can give sanchez a dimension he didnt have last year due to washington injury…if they cant sign LT id look into fargas..he has the perfect running style for this offense..i would def let washington walk if he got offered a contract..take the second..it would huge…draft a pass rusher and maybe a DB or S and a WR or RB with the 2 picks in the second..use the 4th and draft a guy like Blount or Starks..possibilities r endless
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JAY says:
JOE C U R CRAZY I WOULD NEVER GIVE UP OUR 1ST FOR MARSHALL HOPE LT SIGNS TOMORROW!!!!! FINGERS CROSSED
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Joe not to rain on your parade but I got a feeling Tanny isn’t going to part with his first round choice … it wouldn’t be beyond him but as of now it doesn’t look like it would happen.
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JetSetRadio says:
Woah you guys are wild, i dont think were going to land LT but i just dont like his attitude… we have to bring it….are you kidding, i don’t think he’s a rex guy and would not be willing to split that many carries… i would look into Willie Parker.
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Denis says:
I’m slightly hesitant … I’d rather wait until the draft and see what’s available. With that said, I’m definitely not against LT coming here. With our offensive line (and by the way, let’s consider the fact that despite our love for TJ, he greatly benefited from our run first approach and #1 OL) it’s not hard to imagine a very productive LT here.
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brightfuture says:
Willie parker is a UFA isn’t he????
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CAJETSFAN88 says:
Is Norwood from the Falcons a FA? He has some potential.
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Dylan says:
CAJETSFAN88,
Norwood has a 2nd round tender.
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thanks Dylan, I think we are better off drafting an explosive RB, just don’t see the need to spend the money on LT, I think he’s washed up.
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JetObsessed28 says:
i’m on the fence still… really not sure.
If he signed, i can’t see myself being too upset though….
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JetSet,
To be clear, Jim Trotter felt the Jets would have to bring it, LT did not say that … he just said he was “wowed” by the Vikings.
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this does reek of “Art Monk/Wilbur Marshall”
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dtrain says:
i love the Fargas fit here also… was he cut or is he some sort of FA? BTW ganggreen… letting leon walk would be HORRIBLE.. not only is he so valuable to the team(granted his injury doesn’t shoe obvious signs of slowing him down) the fanbase would go crazy if he went to another team.
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WOJF says:
WE have to bring it?
If they pay him more that it would have taken to retain TJ I will vomit. He is done, TJ is not.
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WE SHOULD GO GET ARMAN SHIELDS… SLEEPER WR CUT BY THE RAIDERS.. LOOK HIM UP ON YOUTUBE. STUD NOT PLAYING SUPER FAST & GREAT POTENTIAL.. LOOK THIS GUY UP…..
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JetsFan4life says:
Off subject, if Seattle really wants BMarshall why don’t we cut a deal with them as suggested by Floiro to take him on terms Sea is willing to pay subject to Sea giving us their 14th pick? Is there something wrong in the logic of this?
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Thomas Jones Is Trash says:
Would be a great pickup; think about it if Thomas Jones ran for over 1400 yards then you know for sure LT could do the same and catch the ball on check down situations.
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dtrain fargas was released so hes available for the jets…as for the washington..dont get me wrong but this type of injury is no guarantee of him coming back..so if you have a team like the redskins that have a high 2nd rounder come around in probablt the deepest draft in years..you have to think about it…think about like this..you cant have intentions on givin a long term contract here anyways..remember too hes 28 years old..wats he got left 2 years tops..you cant let the fanbase dictate wats best for your team..this draft has a lot of backs..big backs too that fit perfectly with the ground and pound…this team showed its capable of getting far without him
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Mr. T must be using the Chargers in 2007 Madden, someone needs to get him the 2009 version.
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Jets better sign Leon though because hes are versatile home run hitter plus hes a beast on special teams.
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BigKatt says:
“Thomas Jones Is Trash”
Seriously? Come on now. -
JerryB says:
LT is an excellent pass blocker. He would give Schotty a lot more options in a one back set.
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Dont care what you think BigKatt.
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I hope I wakeup tomorow with news of Tomlinson signing with the Jets.
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I can tell Leon talk is a touchy subject cuz hes so popular…but how can anyone be so sure that he comes back like the old Leon? theres no guarantees so y wouldnt u let him walk and take a high 2nd…imagine if the jets had 3 picks in the first 2 rounds…drafting hypothetically sergio kindle reshard jones and a wr thomas…then use the fourth rounder and get a big bruising back like legarette blount…thats what letting leon walks allows you to do..thats not a better option?
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Why can’t “trader Mike” get us the 14th pick for FREE…get Sea to agree to take Marshall from us for their first rounder if we proffer him a contract on whatever terms Sea wants to pay him!!!!
Now that would be a cool deal….
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Eddie DiGio says:
LT aint coming here, the Jets arent prepared to give him as much money or the carries and touches the Vikes are…
LT is stopping here so he can get the best deal available… for HIMSELF
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neauone says:
draft a RB!
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jcc says:
Why would the Seahawks give us a 1st rounder for signing Marshall if they can just sign him themselves?
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Jetsfan4life WTF are you talking about?
Are you saying sign Marshall to an expensive offer sheet and then if the Jets get him try to trade him to Seattle for a measly 14th pick?
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Scott says:
1st… what’s the deal with some of you taking the “got to bring it” statement way out of context… Jim Trotter said that, not LT… all LT stated was that he was wowed by the Vikings… people need to relax and actually read what has been written prior to reacting!
2nd… I think this could potentially be a solid pickup for the Jets; team him up with Greene and Washington (if he’s still here). However, LT, having played in SD, is not known for being a solid “cold weather” performer… so that could be trouble as November turns.
3rd… He’s probably going to go to the Vikes anyway (Dome team/ Favre/ AP/ Harvin), so I think we all might getting a bit ahead of ourselves.
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Tomlinson would hardly get any carries in the Vikings offense especially since there more pass happy with Favre and Peterson would be the 1st and 2nd down back therefore LT would play primarily on 3rd down only.
With the Jets it would be a two back system between Greene and LT and if they still hold onto Leon he could focus on being a KR and PR.
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Wolf says:
Doubt it, bur he would be a nice threat recieving out of the backfield and hr knows Brian Schottenheimer.
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@ JetsFan4Life
Do us all a favor… please explain how and why that be a “cool deal?”
Not trying to be a jerk… I’m just curious at the logic behind your strategy.
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JetMetVet says:
Due diligence, Tanny. Stay calm.
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Bent says: I wouldn’t expect Florio to know this, but if you sign an RFA to an offer sheet and the other team doesn’t match, then that player can only be traded if the player signed a special waiver. Therefore, unless he particularly wants to play for Seattle, the team that signed him would possibly be stuck with him.
The idea is not that different to my idea last year of trading down to the bottom of the 2nd round last year then making a bid for Miles Austin, thereby risking a low 2nd instead of a high 2nd. I believe that wouldn’t work because if you trade away your pick, you’d be forced to give up you first rounder instead.
I’m thinking the NFL could and should block such a series of transactions (notwithstanding the waiver step, which he appears to be unaware of).
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Jetsfan is prolly some little kid just talking out of his ass.
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JCC and LT FTW – its really pretty straightfwd; Sea has both the 6th and 14th pick and doesn’t want to give the 6th for Marshall which SD claims it wants.
Marshall is a first round tender; the Jets (i.e., as Seattle’s proxy make him an offer SD doesn’t want to or can’t match), and send SD the 29th pick in exchange for the 14th.
What’s wrong with that?
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Wasn’t aware of the waiver rule, but didn’t think I needed to state the obvious that it’d have to be all signed and sealed off on by Marshall…
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LT FTW – no need to get snitty if you’re confused….
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Interesting. Sounds like a plan if it’s possible.
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Bent says:
Florio didn’t consider that though. With the contract he wants, wouldn’t Marshall just say that he’d rather play for a contender?
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Marvel says:
Posative
We’d be on SportsCenter Alot
We’d OWN the back page
We’d sell more tickets
We’d be like the cool guys of the NFL always making the big splash and wut not
that’s all I’ve gotNegative
we don’t draft a RB -
Bent says:
Jcc – I’m betting it isn’t.
He even admits he hasn’t checked through the CBA yet (although he probably would’ve only misinterpreted it again).
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Bent – last point, Florio also believes (and JJones may believe same) that “poison pill K’s” are still legit as well,
For those who aren’t so familiar with the concept this was done I beleive in ’06 with Burleson/Hutchinson feud, i.e., each players contract had a huge escalator if > 4 games in a year are played, e.g., in MN, so nobody is willing to match.
LT FTW – wish I was still a little kid, but “hope I die before I get old”
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@Jetsfan If it was that simple dont you think every other team would attempt the same type of offer?
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Bent says:
They are definitely still legit. Nothing prohibits them.
However, we hope (and some sources agree) that teams have privately agreed not to use them anymore.
You meant Denver not SD in your post above, right?
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smartycromartie says:
I would much rather see them address the third running back situation via the draft. Rb is prolly the easiest position to step in right away and contribute and this picks role would primarily be to spell Shonn and leon from time to time. LT is on the decline and it would make sense to bring in fresh legs (see shonn greene last year in the playoffs).I really think we can address this in the mid rounds.
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rusty sanchez says:
bring it?? is LT challenging the jets to a dance battle??
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Bent – right
LT FTW – never suggested it would be easy, or all that realistic, but most folk idolize likes Tanny as “the man” at making deals so this seems right up his wheelhouse, and so that’s what would make it “cool.” Main thing I believe that’s holding up some team from pulling this off is Sea and Marshall can’t come to terms that Bowlen won’t match, especially if he feels like he’s getting screwed.
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What they need to address in the draft is either take speedy/quick slot reciever alough Wes Welker type or a 3-4 DE to eventually replace Shaun Ellis.
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A guy I think is gonna be a star in this league is CJ Spiller is their anyway he falls to us.
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Green Lantern "I WANT BERRY" says:
My Draft Board Is Looking Like
1) Ryan Matthews RB/Jerry Hughes OLB – Value Pick If San Diego Doesn’t get him god wants him to play for us and Hughes is the WIll Rusher we need.
2) Arrelious Benn WR – This Kid Looks Like A Star To Me Only Reason He Isn’t 1 is because we NEED that WILL Rusher.
3) Taylor Mays S – Real Iffy in him but Rex seems interested so he makes my number 3. -
Brad says:
LT FTW- Alex Carrington- late 2nd round to early 4th round is the guy to replace Ellis! 6’5″ 285lbs 4.87 40 time, dominant TFL and Sack #’s.
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smartcromartie,
There is noooooooo way we get Spiller without trading up. The best RB coming into the draft never falls to the 29th spot.
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jp losman says:
i’m so exited about the opportunity of LT coming and playing for the JETS, i dont care what my brain is telling me. using this logic, i give this a 75% chance to happen. to build off of marvels comments – the more exposure………….the more PSL’s sold.
LT should take the $3 mill TJ got and the JETS should take that swap 10x over.
send me my green and white LT jersey right now…….sorry lowry, you can justin millers #22.
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tyrone says:
lt would be a good pickup you dont want 1 rookie rb and greene if in playoffs or super bowl you need a veteran back .remember that yard tj got aganst san diego most rookies or newbies will choke .
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tyrone,
1 yard is never too much to ask, especially with our O-Line. Even if the defense knows it’s coming, our line will demolish the defensive front.
I honestly feel that MOST RBs would have success with the Jets O-Line. A good RB would look great, and a great RB would put up legendary stats.
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WW85 says:
YOU GUYS ARE NUTS! THIS IS NUTS. LT is washed up-nothing left in his legs or his heart or his stamina. Have you guys not seen him play for the last 3 seasons? He is done! RBs are a dime a dozen-get a young one to carry some load. The Pats would love it if we had LT-they could just shut down our passing game & the Jets are done.
I wish we kept TJ, but that’s over. LT is NOT THE ANSWER!!
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craig says:
Has anyone watched LT play the last 2 years? He is done. TJ of the 2 has more tread left on the tires than LT.
I dont get it.I say take a flier on Willie Parker, maybe he can bounce back, a lot younger.(wont cost much either). Clearly spending this off season is an issue.
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nyjetsman says:
rusty, please read the quote again we dont need to say it again
trotter would be challenging us to a dance battle
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dakar says:
dan
i agree…like so many of us said before…TJ was good and the line made him better…
LT is so much better than TJ…BEHIND THIS LINE HE’LL ALSO BE BETTER THEN HE HAS IN THE PAST 3 YEARS…just my thoughts…
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ww
i think LT just didn’t like playing for turner…he hasn’t played good since marty shot. was fired…just my thoughts…
oh…no to mention some nagging injuries he’s had…
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LT was better than TJ in his prime, but not now…stats don’t lie.
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put it this way…LT,PARKER OR LJ would be an upgrade over TJ…
but like others if we weren’t looking for a vet. at RB i would just draft 1…but we are…nothing we can do about it…just my thoughts…
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LT’s body has taken a beating and he is old by RB standards. The reason why TJ has not shown a decline is largely due to the fact he got little to no use early in his career first 4 yrs.
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Brandon from Illinois says:
Lt will probably be asking for too much money, but it wouldn’t hurt to have future hall of fame member in the Jets back field. They need to keep Leon around too though.
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stats are sometimes misleading…and he’s a year younger and im just tired of this TJ bs…he’s finished and he will prove to be finished this year coming…
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@ Craig
I have… as soon as the Chargers got rid of Lorenzo Neal LT’s play began to suffer… that also corresponded with Norv transforming that team into a pass oriented offense centered around Rivers. Another thing… The Chargers O line is a pass protection oriented offense; they can’t move anyone as far as the run goes.
I think LT could really benefit from running behind our O line and T Rich.
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dakar,
LJ would be an upgrade to TJ? Only if you owned a time machine and could take us back to 2005. BTW Larry Johnson had 2 good year in his career and is a major league doucher. -
fact is he’s been running behind the best o-line in the leauge the past 2 years…im not saying TJ sucked…but he’s gone…enough…but then again i would still like to draft a RB…BUT IF WE SIGN lt…he will not disapoint…just my thoughts…
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Question to All
who has better upside
LT
Larry Johnson
Willie ParkerI say they all have the same upside but only one Will bring us the title of coolest team in the City . I no that’s not what it’s all about but you’ve gotta admit this is a different feeling for us Jet fans. I’d still like a Rookie BEAST but if Tannys game I’m game .
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TJ is gone correct. He did have 5 yrs in a row rushing for over 1000 yards. I think it was a bad move. Hopefully I am proven wrong. Fact is Shonn Greene is largely unproven and fumbles a bit. Leon is coming off a huge injury. I would like to have a reliable option going into the season as part of the rotation.
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Craig
if you switched TJ & LTs teams last season LT would have ran for 1600 yards as a Jet easy , TJ would have ran fo 750 at best on SD . I watched evry last Jet game & no on can tell me otherwise ….NO ONE .. Lol .. But seriously NO ONE … -
LT=Brett Farve…not into renting a guy past his prime…
not cool, foolish….what is cool is winning and this doesnt get it done.
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Craig
as a matter of fact half the leages RBs coulda ran for 1600 yards if they wer on the Jets .. TJs Stats = product of OL
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i agree with whatever tanny and rexy do…so far tanny has done more good for the tean then bad…
i agree…i would also love a reliable option and i believe LT WP and LJ will all be reliable…but i am with
MARVEL…i would rather get a Rookie BEAST…just my thoughtrs… -
Marvel,
You are basing this on what??? Stats dont lie.
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Bret Farve is a QB
LT is a RB
don’t compare ..
P.s Im not a LT supporter just a TJ basher .. It’s all friendly banter
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Marvel really??? Half the backs??? TJ is worse than half the back in the league? Guy is going to rush for 10k yards plus in his career and was not used first 4 yrs. Also has not had more than 2 fumbles in a season in 5 yrs.
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Craig
Ok you go by stats .. I go by the eye test .. We shall just agree to disagree
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why a TJ basher? Solid rb, reliable, gets tough yards, good locker room guy etc. dont understand why no love.
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Craig
never said he was worse .. That’s entrapment .. I’d like to speak to my lawyer befor continuing this convo .. Good day sir
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BigBadBob says:
Didn’t LT want out of SD because of chemistry issues, and we just brought one of the bigger issues from SD (cromartie). Do we know if LT is willing to take a chance playing with him again.
By the way, I’m high on the cromartie trade, and I think bringing LT in would be a major mistake. Along the lines of when farve came here. I’m tired of hearing about big name, past their prime players, and the Jets being interested in them. Every one of my favorite players on this team have all been drafted, except for big jenks (but come on, he’s a freak). I’m not against bringing in you talent via free agency or trade (as long as it makes sense, and we don’t get robbed), but not LT, sharper, westbrook… I am interested in Atogwe, and I’m suprised we haven’t heard about them looking into him.
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ESPN reporting Jets re sign Dexter Carter….all is well good night.
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I no what I saw .. TJ isn’t as good as you make him out to be .. He couldn’t start on my team but hey wut do I no ?
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maybe cro is talking LT up to tanny rexy and shoty…
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I’m also interested in seeing what happens with this poole guy, only because I’ve never heard about him. From what I read on the past thread, he’s not the type of player that las the wood. I’d like to see a player drafted that could turn into a stud (obviously, an Ed Reed type Player).
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i want a ronnie lott clone…but it aint gonna happen…lol…and if LT gets signed onto the jets…he’s gonna suprise alot of people…just my thoughts…
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Ronnie Lot like would work for me, in the end I don’t who he compares to, as long as he can cover and hammer recievers I’ll be happy.
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Hey guys I just remembered something. Shonn Green mocked LT after he owned Weddle in that playoff game . I find that to be quite funny given the current predicament .
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GANGGREEN says:
After reading this post and responses about signing LT its crazy cause its seems like it a 50/50 split on this site…I know one thing if woody is all about selling PSL he would sign LT because LT sells seats…I think LT will go to the VIKES due to the dome and the Vikes are a solid team but if he did decide to be a JET I think at this point and time the Positive out weigh the Negative of him being here…In my oppion I think just about any quality veteran back whether it be LT,Westbrook,Parker,even Fargas could run for atleast 1200 yards behind our quality OL.Everyone keeps saying the LT is washed up..my oppion is LT is banged up..If we signed LT to a 2 or 3 year deal at a reasonable salary he will earn his keep and then some…Quality players produce quality results and LT when healthy still can be one of the best in the game..The only real question in my mind is can he tote the rock in the cold NJ winters…
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marvel
i looked at greenes jesture more like he was paying tribute to LT…LOL…
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ganggreen
im sure he will find a way to stay warm…
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dakar
You think like a PR rep … Lol .. But I’ll buy it …
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Although, i’d love to see LT’s bulldog face mask on a jets helmet. However i’d rather see greene wearing it. Consider it greene paying another “tribute” to LT
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LSU’s rb doesn’t look 2 shaby…charles scott…big dude…
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he did get hurt though…broke his colar bone…
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matt says:
sign him n hope mays falls to us im not a huge fan but hes our best offer
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James in TN says:
I bet we offer 500K per year for 2 yrs plus incentives. Totaling 1.4mil for 2 years if all the incentives are met. Yes we are that cheap.
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soldier in germany says:
hey guys. TJ got 1400 yards because of our badass O-line. I believe LT could do better in a rushing offense like ours. the chargers O-line are good pass protecters not run blockers.
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Ben Nevis says:
Here are the 2009 stats of some of the vet RBs out there now.
(I posted a less complete version of this on another thread, but added in Fargas below.)
_________________________________________
LaDainian Tomlinson :
3.3 YPC
730 yards, 223 att
12 TDs
2 Lost fumbles
20 Rec, 154 yards
_________________________________________Willie Parker:
4.0 YPC
389 yards, 98 att
1 TD (rec)
1 Lost fumble
6 Rec, 64 yards
________________________________________Larry Johnson:
4.4 YPC (Bengals)
2.9 YPC (Chiefs)
204 yards, 46 att (Bengals)
377 yards, 132 att (Chiefs)
0 TDs (Bengals)
0 TDs (Chiefs)
0 Lost fumbles (Bengals)
1 Lost fumble (Chiefs)
3 Rec, 4 yards (Bengals)
12 Rec, 76 yards (Chiefs)
_______________________________________Brian Westbrook:
4.5 YPC
274 yards, 61 att
2 TDs (1 rush, 1 rec)
0 Lost fumbles
25 Rec, 181 yards
_________________________________________Justin Fargas:
3.8 YPC
491 yards, 129 att
3 TDs
0 Lost fumbles
17 Rec, 113 yards
_________________________________________Of the above group:
LT had the worst YPC: 3.3.
Westbrook had the best YPC: 4.5
LT had the most TDs by far: 12
Westbrook had the second highest # of TDs: 2
LT lost the most fumbles: 2 (but he had the most carries)
Johnson & Westbrook lost the least fumbles: 0
LT and Johnson each had over 175 carries
Parker & Westbrook each had less than 100 carries
_________________
LT’s low YPC worries me.
Westbrook’s history of injuries worries me.
Johnson’s history of being an a-hole worries me.
___________________
I like the number of TDs Tomlinson put up, but if we pay him the kind of money Thomas Jones got from KC (or more!), then I think I’m gonna be sick.
TJ had TWICE as many yards last year as LT:
LT: 730 yards
TJ: 1,402 yards
And TJ’s YPC was much higher than LT’s:
LT: 3.3 YPC
TJ: 4.2 YPC
You can say that TJ had a better O line than LT last year, and that’s true.
But Darren Sproles had EXACTLY the same O line as LT last year, and DS had 3.7 YPC—compared to LT’s 3.3.
And in 2007, when our own O line was crap, TJ’s YPC was exactly as high as that of Sproles: 3.7.
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Shamik says:
I don’t think Tomlinson really has much to offer the Jets. If he’s ok with being the 3rd back then give him an appropriate offer. If he refuses, tell him to move along. He doesnt really bring all that much to the table these days.
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i think he knows hes going to have a reduced role especially after visiting the viking hes gonna behind peterson and farve who still likes to throw the ball
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I think the Jets need to get LT for the replacement of TJ
Then we can focus on drafting a SS
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if I was LT I would come to the Jets even though I hope he signs in Minn. I just think the guy is done as a player ….yes even as a 3rd down back. I think W Parker has alot more to give and compliments the RB’s we currently have…..
I also am tired of hearing how he can mentor the young guys and be a good locker room presence…..Isnt this the same guy who continually sulked on the sidelines when he was hurt or even worse threw fits when he was pulled out for the more productive Sproles in games last year? All because he wanted his redzone touches?
I also assume LT and his agent are using this as a scare tactic to the Vkings…Which is smart business.
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Bent says:
The Jets need a short yardage back and that’s what LDT is these days (even on first and ten). I too have concerns over whether he’d be happy with and give his all to such a role.
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Greengoblin says:
I think the Jets will sign LT because it makes the team better and they’ll sell more tickets in the process. Also, Why would LT want to go to Minny when they already have the best RB in the league. With the Jets, he’ll get the ball way more and have a shot to be the #1 RB…
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Bent-
I agree. And I like the number of TDs Tomlinson had last year (12). But a few things about LT worry me (one of which you mention above):
1. LT’s low YPC last year: 3.3.
Which is by far the lowest YPC of any of the five vet RBs profiled in my post above.2. LT’s inability in the past to accept a reduced role.
3. The amount of money LT might demand.
Which could be as high—or higher!—than what TJ received from KC. -
Brendan says:
Goblin,
There is no chance he’d be the #1 RB, if there was any question about who that would be the team would have kept Jones.
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Tanny on WFAN flat out saying he is getting more CB’s and DB’s going forward…..more than 1
Which means we will be draftinf safety and CB next month.
Also mentioned that the Rhodes money will produce 2-3 players. Pool being the 1st. i assume LT or (another RB) the 2nd
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He also danced over the fact that TJ did come back to the Jets to match the deal and they declined. It sounds like they just didnt want to pay TJ the second year money.
LT in the building and with Rex and Tanny selling I am pretty sure (if he is open to coming here) he will sign if the price is close to Minn
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Drew-
If Mike T is going to add a couple more DBs, do you think he meant that the Rhodes money would be spent on new DBs (including Pool)?
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Bent says:
They saved 4.7m this year by cutting (basically) Rhodes.
Subtract Pool’s 1.3m and that leaves 3.4m for 1-2 more players. If one of them is LDT, then it sounds like they will offer him less than TJ got from the Chiefs, or at best the same.
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Drew-
It annoys me that Tanny wouldn’t match what KC was giving TJ—but it would really piss me off if Mike T gives LT as much as (or more than!) what TJ got from KC.
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Bent-
What I said to Drew. . .
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I would assume he was saying the Rhodes money will mean Pool and (LT?) and maybe another cheap player…LB or OL backup type
He made it perfectly clear that (Rex asked) he would be adding multiple CB’s in the future to fit the system.
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Bent says:
That’s an old picture. Brees handing the ball off? Wish that was the LDT they could get.
Some stats for the heck of it:
Other than week one (Raiders) Tomlinson NEVER surpassed 4 yards a carry last season
However, he did break off at least one run of at least ten yards in 9 of the 14 games in which he carried the ball
He had a 36 yard run in week 7 (Chiefs) but the longest run he had other than that was 21 yards
PFF ranks him as the 5th worst RB in the league last year
Thomas Jones is seventh worst though, so maybe not that much of an upgrade over Tomlinson as you might think
Missed tackles caused (ie broken or dodged tackles) – LDT 9 on 223 carries, TJ 14 on 332 carries (about the same rate). Greene 12 on 109 carries.
Still on missed tackles – Only 7 backs had more than 30 and all had over 220 carries. Peterson led the league with 50 on 315 carries.
Of all the backs who had fewer missed tackles than Jones (332 carries) only LDT and Addai (219) had more than 200 carries and of all the guys with fewer missed tackles than LDT (223 carries) only 4 had more than 100 carries and none as many as 150.
To give an idea of how far they have fallen off: In 2008, Tomlinson had 24 missed tackles on 292 carries (but was still third worst rated RB) and Jones (who was quite highly rated – 20th) had 18 on 290 carries. They didn’t chart all the games in 2007, but they had Tomlinson ranked 2nd best and Jones third worst.
Conclusion: In terms of playmaking ability to pick up extra yards, the gap between the elite and Greene might not be unbridgeable, but Jones and LDT are a long way off. Leon (6 on 71 attempts this year, 15 on 76 attempts last year) is also up there in terms of the league’s best.
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Bent says:
Ben – Who cares what they pay him. It’s an uncapped year!
(Yes, I fully get the irony of that statement and it was a joke).
I agree, it’s difficult for them to spin if they end up giving LDT as much or more than TJ got from the Chiefs, but we don’t really know what was offered to TJ or how willing he was (or Tomlinson is) to accept the role they want for him. (Again, we can’t know the validity of the “he didn’t come back because of personal pride” or the “he was crushed to receive a reduced role and let it affect his play in the postseason” stories, so it is difficult to throw the front office under the bus or laud them for a smart move).
I’m lukewarm on the idea. Which veteran RB do you think will sell the most PSL’s though? Hmmm…
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Bent says:
Just to add some football outsiders rankings into the mix, they have Jones and Tomlinson based on 2009 ranked very similar:
Ranking: Jones 32nd or 38th, depending which metric you use, LDT 39th on both
“Success rate”: Jones 44%, LDT 43%
In terms of pass catching, LDT scrapes into the top 50, whereas Jones is practically unranked.
If it was a straight up choice, I’d pick Jones. Factoring in the fact that LDT is a sulker makes me want Jones more. However, if Tomlinson is cheaper then that might tip the balance the other way. I fear he may not be though. I think he ends up in Minnesota because the Jets won’t offer him enough money.
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John says:
i really dont understand the comparisons of jones and lt. they will have completely different roles on this team.
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Green Lantern says:
You cant compare TJ to LT last season. LT was the backup RB on a PASS FIRST Team behind an average run o-line while TJ was the starting RB on a RUN FIRST team with the best Running O-Line in Football.
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Bent says:
Yeah, the only reason for the comparison (besides boredness) it to compare their comparative levels of washed-up-edness.
I’m not trying to prove anything with the numbers.
I was opposed this when he was cut, but the more i think about the more i wouldnt mind LT being a jet for a year in a 3 back system. The one thing LT still brings to the table is his nose for the endzone