Outshined Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 (edited) Report: Tomlinson to visit Thursday Posted by Judd Zulgad Last update: March 9, 2010 - 3:31 PM We reported in today's Star Tribune that the Vikings were interested in LaDainian Tomlinson. That interest apparently is going to result in a visit to Winter Park for the veteran running back.Sports Illustrated reported on its website that Tomlinson will visit the Vikings on Thursday. The publiction cited an NFL source. The Star Tribune has learned that the Vikings are still in the process of working on getting Tomlinson into town but the visit is expected to happen. Tomlinson was let go by the Chargers last month and this will be his first visit since his release. Tomlinson was believed to be looking for a starting opportunity with a quality team but that wasn't going to be there. With the Vikings, he would be expected to help fill the third-down role that had been played by Chester Taylor. Taylor signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears last week. Tomlinson, who spent nine seasons with the Chargers and was the NFL's MVP in 2006, would play behind Adrian Peterson. One source speculated that Tomlinson could receive a two-year deal from the Vikings that would include about $1.5 million guaranteed and be worth $3 million per season. Edited March 10, 2010 by Outshined Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazinib1 Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Tomlinson signing with the Vikings = Farve back for 1 more year. .... take it to the bank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackass Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Tomlinson signing with the Vikings = Farve back for 1 more year. .... take it to the bank. why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 why? good interest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vt700guy Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Tomlinson signing with the Vikings = Farve back for 1 more year. .... take it to the bank. Sure, because they are hurting at RB without LT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Seems like a good fit; Tomlinson wants to go to a contender and the Vikes were one dumb Favre pass away from going to the Super Bowl. The loss of Chester Taylor creates a need for a solid backup who can come in and catch passes out of the backfield and that suits LT to a tee. I've always like Tomlinson. It'd suck to have to root against him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delicious_bass Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Report: Tomlinson to visit ThursdayPosted by Judd Zulgad Last update: March 9, 2010 - 3:31 PM We reported in today's Star Tribune that the Vikings were interested in LaDainian Tomlinson. That interest apparently is going to result in a visit to Winter Park for the veteran running back.Sports Illustrated reported on its website that Tomlinson will visit the Vikings on Thursday. The publiction cited an NFL source. The Star Tribune has learned that the Vikings are still in the process of working on getting Tomlinson into town but the visit is expected to happen. Tomlinson was let go by the Chargers last month and this will be his first visit since his release. Tomlinson was believed to be looking for a starting opportunity with a quality team but that wasn't going to be there. With the Vikings, he would be expected to help fill the third-down role that had been played by Chester Taylor. Taylor signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears last week. Tomlinson, who spent nine seasons with the Chargers and was the NFL's MVP in 2006, would play behind Adrian Peterson. One source speculated that Tomlinson could receive a two-year deal from the Vikings that would include about $1.5 million guaranteed and be worth $3 million per season. Its certainly intriguing and I can see legit pros to signing LT, but I think there are many cons, too. I am not sure he's really ready to be an official 2nd fiddle and they dont need him here if he's going to sit on the sideline with that unhappy look like he had in SD when Sproles was on the field in key spots. He's got the skill set to do what the Vikes would want him to(albeit not as well as a couple years ago), but I am not sure if that's what LT wants and this needs to be a good fit for both sides if it is to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayestunod Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 unhappy look like he had in SD when Sproles was on the field in key spots. 3rd down is a key spot throughout any game. He would just fill Chester Taylor's role as a 3rd down back if not more depending upon how well he shows his abilities. I believe this would be a great fit because who else would LT want to be a backup to in the NFL these days besides AP? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackass Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 LT has not acknowledged to himself that he's a backup so i'd be surprised if he ends up in minnesota - unless there are just no other options for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 LT has not acknowledged to himself that he's a backup so i'd be surprised if he ends up in minnesota - unless there are just no other options for him. Well, he's making the trip to Minnesota and he certainly understands that Adrian Peterson is the starting RB for the Vikings, so on some level he must be ready to at least consider being a backup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackass Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Well, he's making the trip to Minnesota and he certainly understands that Adrian Peterson is the starting RB for the Vikings, so on some level he must be ready to at least consider being a backup. Could be just using it as leverage to generate interest. And who wouldn't want to spend some time in Minnesota - I hear it's lovely this time of year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpholmes Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 3rd down is a key spot throughout any game. He would just fill Chester Taylor's role as a 3rd down back if not more depending upon how well he shows his abilities. I believe this would be a great fit because who else would LT want to be a backup to in the NFL these days besides AP? Agreed. Notorious pass catching RB in a heavy RB-catching Andy Reid/Brad Childress offense. Been saying since his release he'd more likely than not end up in Minny or Philly. Would be a great addition for the Vikings imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpwallace49 Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Could be just using it as leverage to generate interest. And who wouldn't want to spend some time in Minnesota - I hear it's lovely this time of year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keggerz Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 (edited) Tomlinson is currently having dinner with Vikings brass (JuddZulgad via twitter) Childress, Bevell and Bieniemy also are breaking bread with Tomlinson. per JZ Edited March 11, 2010 by keggerz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaP'N GRuNGe Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/...y9cP3DieyckcUsI Tomlinson would welcome third-down role Posted by Judd Zulgad Last update: March 10, 2010 - 9:49 PM The Vikings wined and dined free-agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson on Wednesday night at a steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis. Coach Brad Childress and vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman headlined a group of team officials that included offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, director of player personnel George Paton and even nose tackle Pat Williams. Afterward, Tomlinson stopped to answer a few questions from a Star Tribune reporter who had no less than 10 cups of coffee and right now is typing at a speed rarely seen on this keyboard. Q. What's it like having the opportunity to shop yourself after being in San Diego for so many seasons? A. "It's like recruiting all over again, like going from high school to college. You just kind of have to kind of get a feel and see where you fit in at and see how it goes." Q. What's your sense about this team being on the verge of a Super Bowl and having that opportunity? A. "That's the thing I love most because this is a team that's right there. It has the veterans and the young guys that fit in together. It's a very talented team with a great coaching staff. It's a very supportive [environment]. That's what you want." Q. What's your feeling after getting a chance to sit down for a few hours at dinner? A. "I think it's great. I obviously really enjoy Coach Childress, E.B., guys that I'm going to spend a lot of time around. Even Pat, just getting a chance to really sit down with him. It was light. The mood was light and that's what you ask for." Q. What's the key that needs to happen on Thursday when you spend time meeting at Winter Park? A. "I'm not sure yet. I think we're just going to get in, talk about some football and stuff. Philosophies. That type of stuff." Q. There is question about how well you would accept a third-down role behind Adrian Peterson. Is that something you would be willing to step into or would you have a problem with it? A. "I don't [have a problem with it]. I know I can catch the ball really well out of the backfield, can run routes and that's something that I've always looked for as I got older in my career. Being able to fall back on that. Not having to carry the ball as much. I think that's what was lost in San Diego because I was the only guy that could really carry the ball 20 times. So my third-down role was reduced. So now I'm looking for that. It's something I can do and I can fit in well." Q. When was the last time you played regularly on third down? A. "Actually, this was the first year that I didn't play on third down." Q. How much can you help Adrian Peterson develop? A. "I think as far as learning how to be a professional on and off the field. Having been through a lot of stuff that he's going through, I could kind of help him go through it without any headaches. Also, just the approach to the game and also the offseason. I think I could help him out a lot." Q. Have you talked to Peterson since you arrived? A. "I haven't talked to him since I've been here. Not yet." Q. What would the opportunity to play with Brett Favre mean to you? A. "The opportunity to play with Brett would be unbelievable, incredible. So many years I've watched Brett and also played against him and admire him so much. Imagining him just throwing the ball to me out of the backfield or something like that, it would be something I can always remember and also tell my kids about." Q. How close is this team to a Super Bowl? A. "Very close. They are right at the top of the situation I was looking for when I first said I want to go somewhere and have a chance to win a championship." Q. NFL.com reports you have another potential visit that you could make this week? Is that correct? A. "Yes." Q. Can you say which team? A. "I won't say as of now but we'll see." Q. So you are scheduled to leave Thursday night or possibly sign? A. "Possibly." Q. Do you think something could get done on Thursday? A. "I don't know. My agent is definitely here in town." Q. Prefer to sign here or would you like to make that next trip? A. "I think it depends. It depends on how it goes tomorrow." Q. What do you need to hear on Thursday from the Vikings? A. "I think it's a feel that you have to have. It's not necessarily anything you're going to hear because I've heard what I like to hear. I have a role on this team. I think it's a feel that you have to have." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budlitebrad Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 Don't really like the fit if I were a Vikes fan. His pass catching skills have diminished and AD is better than him in every facet (other than fumbles). Save the cash and just draft a kid with fresh legs who can catch and block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outshined Posted March 11, 2010 Author Share Posted March 11, 2010 I think he will sign... Q. There is question about how well you would accept a third-down role behind Adrian Peterson. Is that something you would be willing to step into or would you have a problem with it? A. "I don't [have a problem with it]. I know I can catch the ball really well out of the backfield, can run routes and that's something that I've always looked for as I got older in my career. Being able to fall back on that. Not having to carry the ball as much. I think that's what was lost in San Diego because I was the only guy that could really carry the ball 20 times. So my third-down role was reduced. So now I'm looking for that. It's something I can do and I can fit in well." Q. So you are scheduled to leave Thursday night or possibly sign? A. "Possibly." Q. Do you think something could get done on Thursday? A. "I don't know. My agent is definitely here in town." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whomper Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 An added bonus of bringing LT on would be him possibly helping AP with his fumbling issues a la Coughlin Tiki Barber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Dick Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 An added bonus of bringing LT on would be him possibly helping AP with his fumbling issues a la Coughlin Tiki Barber He could also help him with his sulking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 Don't really like the fit if I were a Vikes fan. His pass catching skills have diminished and AD is better than him in every facet (other than fumbles). Save the cash and just draft a kid with fresh legs who can catch and block. I think it's a great fit! Of course AD is better than LT right now, but Tomlinson wouldn't be brought in to replace Peterson as the starter... he would spell Peterson and take on a 3rd down role. As long as the coaches believe he can fulfill that role (which I might add is currently occupied by a big nobody) then how is it not a good fit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delicious_bass Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 (edited) Agreed.Notorious pass catching RB in a heavy RB-catching Andy Reid/Brad Childress offense. Been saying since his release he'd more likely than not end up in Minny or Philly. Would be a great addition for the Vikings imo. That quote in your post is not from me. Not a big deal, but "credit" should go to the person who said it... I think he will sign... I dont know. Unless LT has had an epiphany of sorts and really realized he's not the same player he was, I think he thinks he can still be a starter. It would kinda surprise me if he took an offer to be strictly a backup/3rd down guy from the first team he visited. I know he said he's cool with it, but I have my doubts. Certainly possbile, though. And its possible they are talking to him about a being a little more than that, too. Chilly and Co might have a higher opinion of LT than we think and maybe they're trying to sell him on a bigger role than most of us are thinking. I'll be curious to see if they let him leave town without a contract and (if there is a deal done) the details will say a lot about how they feel about LT and where his mind is now. ETA: and lets not forget there was a little lipservice from LT toward AP this season. LT basically said he was a more complete back than Peterson and I dont think it sat very well with Adrian. I am sure it was overblown and taken out of context by the media, but still...one way or another, AP has to greenlight this move before the Vikes would go with it. You notice AP wasnt one of the ones on the welcoming committee. Just sayin... Edited March 11, 2010 by Delicious_bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budlitebrad Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 I think it's a great fit! Of course AD is better than LT right now, but Tomlinson wouldn't be brought in to replace Peterson as the starter... he would spell Peterson and take on a 3rd down role. As long as the coaches believe he can fulfill that role (which I might add is currently occupied by a big nobody) then how is it not a good fit? Well Taylor was the 3rd down back since he was better at catching and blocking than AD. LT isn't really a step up from AD in those areas, so why take him out, except to keep him fresh through the season? On the other hand, Chilly proved that he knew how to use Favre effectively, so maybe he can do the same with LT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaP'N GRuNGe Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 ESPN reports LaDainian Tomlinson will visit with the Jets on Friday if he doesn't agree to a deal with the Vikings today. #stribvikes 43 minutes ago via web http://twitter.com/JuddZulgad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaterMan Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 He could also help him with his sulking. He's just giving his shoulders a rest after putting so many defenders on the ground. Dem boys are heavy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskey Pimp Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 ESPN reports LaDainian Tomlinson will visit with the Jets on Friday if he doesn't agree to a deal with the Vikings today. #stribvikes 43 minutes ago via web http://twitter.com/JuddZulgad So the Jets let Thomas Jones walk but want to possibly bring LT in? I don't see how that makes any sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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