You'd think that when a team keeps a running back that's rushed for over 1,100 yards in eight consecutive seasons it wouldn't be considered shocking news, let alone a mistake.

But that's exactly what's going down in San Diego now that the Chargers have restructured the contract of LaDainian Tomlinson. Under his old contract, LT was scheduled to get $24 million over the next three years. According to an ESPN source, he'll receive $6.725 million as planned in '09, with unspecified amounts for 2010 and 2011.

While I understand that the Bolt back's production was down a bit during an injury-riddled '08 season, reports like this little ditty from Vic Carucci over at NFL.com are absolutely redonkulous. While it may have been a down year for the sure-fire HOF'er, I think most NFL backs would be happy rushing for 1,110 yards and 11 TDs  - and there's no way keeping them on the roster would be questioned.

Since his rookie season in 2001, Tomlinson has lit-up the record books, rushing for 11,760 yards and 126 TDs and leading San Diego into the playoffs four of the last five seasons.

I applaud the Chargers for sticking with Tomlinson... and he for working with the organization. In an era where "what-have-you-done-for-me-lately" roster moves are at an extreme, it's nice to see a team not giving up on a guy who's been the face of the organization for the better part of the decade, even if it does have a negative impact on their salary cap.

Was keeping LT a good move for the Chargers? Will he return to form in '09? Is Sproles really ready to be a starting, every-down kind of back?