I see LT getting pissy about this.

LaDainian Tomlinson has already spoken unhappiness with the Chargers and how they have handled what they plan to do with him this off-season.

Said Tomlinson:"I think it's ridiculous to be talking about trade and me not being here, that's just my personal opinion. I know every team has a right to make trades and all this stuff, but I just think it's ridiculous to be talking about this, to have this stuff in the media when this could be handled behind closed doors and in a professional way. Now I have people calling me, talking about this all the time; this has become a big story and I don't want this."

If he didn't like speculation about his future I'm pretty sure he's not going to like the fact that the Chargers are starting talks with QB Phillip Rivers about a contract extension. According to GM AJ Smith they've already started talking with Rivers. "You offer a contract and hope for the best,” Smith said while watching a Senior Bowl practice. “We'll have a contract (offer) and hope it's successful. If not, we have the franchise (tag).”

You can't blame the Chargers for wanting to get Rivers under contract. He's proven two things in his three years as the starting QB for the Chargers; he's a leader and he's a guy who will play hurt. LT? I've never heard the word leader used with him and many have questioned just how hurt he was in last year's playoffs against the Patriots. He claims he couldn't go back into the game and spent most of the time moping on the bench. In this year's playoffs, he was again questioned on the exact extent and nature of his injury.

What does all this mean for a 30 year-old RB who is coming off two injury-shortened seasons has an $8.8 million cap figure next season? Nothing good. The Chargers would get over $6 million is salary cap room if they release Tomlinson. That's a good start to signing both Rivers and Darren Sproles. Sproles has proven that he can take some of the load off Tomlinson and add a wrinkle to the Charger offense, two things that would help LT's production and his longevity. It remains to be seen what, if anything, will happen this offseason with Tomlinson. A trade or a release are surely being discussed in Chargerland.

Anyone who thinks it can't and/or won't happen should give Shaun Alexander a call, see how things worked out for him after he turned 30. Once a back turns 30, even a Hall of Famer like LT, his production drops and he's easy to replace.