LaDainian Tomlinson: Marcus Allen Déjà Vu?

Remember about two decades ago, when that great Raider running back was discarded by the Silver and Black only to land with the Red and Gold.  This workhorse had lost some of his gallop, but still was as good as anybody in the game at finding a seam and punching it into the endzone. He also was hellbent on proving to his old team that he could still play. That player was Marcus Allen. In 1993, Allen and quarterback Joe Montana led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship. The Chiefs have not won a playoff game since.

Flash forward to 2010. A great Charger running back is about to be discarded by his team. He has definitely lost some gallop, but he is unquestionably one of the best players in league history at getting inside the endzone. He was also so good so recently, it’s hard to say he’s done considering the way his team has abandoned the run. You also know he will be hellbent on proving to his old team that he can still play. That player is LaDainian Tomlinson.

When the Bolts cut L.T. to save roughly $6 million (he’s only guaranteed 1$ million this upcoming year), he will be an unrestricted free agent. I suggest that the Chiefs give him a long look. Fantasy owners won’t like this, but he would be a great second option and goalline back for the Chiefs. He had 12 TDs despite missing two games to injury as part of a pass-happy attack last season. Charles had seven. L.T. is still arguably the best in the business at finding the endzone. He’s also a great receiver and savvy pass blocker — think of him as potentially being Charlie Weiss’ Kevin Faulk Deluxe.

It’s just an idea. I think Charles can be a Pro Bowl performer, but I do not think he can handle 20-plus carries a game nor should he be asked to. Besides, L.T. could come in here and help him become better, add something himself and provide valuable information about the Chargers offense. Again, just an idea, but possibly one worth exploring. After all, the Chargers have been better than us for most of No. 21’s career.