Fantasy Football Update Running Backs: Brian Westbrook, LaDainian Tomlinson

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You may have heard, LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook were both released this week, and while both organizations made it sound like the decision was difficult and sad, anybody in the know straight knew these two backs were going to be looking for work elsewhere come 2010′s NFL Season. The question is, how does this effect the players, the teams, and their former back-ups. There’s a lot left to be determined by free-agent additions and the draft, but right now, I have some answers if you’re looking.

San Diego Chargers, LaDainian Tomlinson: It’s hard for me to imagine that LaDainian Tomlinson isn’t going to find work somewhere. If Fred Taylor can come into New England last season and be the Patriots lead back for portions of the year, what’s crazy about a 30-year-old LT finding some work. Now listen, his days of double digit touchdown-1400 yard rushing seasons are over and done with, but he still has a very good chance to be productive. He catches the ball well and still has good vision, if he’s not trying to prove he still has it on every run.

Some places that could use him? How about New England, Chicago, Green Bay, Houston, Minnesota (if they lose Chester Taylor), Seattle (if Julius Jones is getting carries, LT can instead), and maybe Washington (though I don’t know who would want to go run behind that line). Now every one of those teams isn’t likely to show interest in the former rushing hero, but some are, and if he’s down to play for lower pay, he’ll find a job, and I think he’ll be productive.

As for San Diego, I’m thinking their starting running back for next season isn’t on their roster yet. A guy like Chester Taylor, Willis McGahee, Larry Johnson, Marshawn Lynch, or LenDale White (see many character problems in that bunch?) could come in and be more of a workhorse back to team up with Darren Sproles. But if they don’t sign a big free agent or make a trade, they’ll likely grab a guy like Jahvid Best, Jonathan Dwyer, or Ryan Matthews on draft day.

Now, and here’s where dynasty keeper league guys might want to make a shot in the dark at the waiver wire right now – Mike Tolbert could be a goal line option. He actually did some solid things for the Chargers when he got touches, and he’s a big bad man at the running back position. If they don’t sign or trade for a new runner, and even if they do pick a rookie back, Tolbert could be a guy getting a lot more touches this year. If Jake Delhomme is currently your 4th quarterback, go on ahead and pick up Tolbert – it could end up being a great move!

Philadelphia Eagles, Brian Westbrook: Brian Westbrook obviously had his problems staying on the field last year, and, probably unfairly, has been listed as an injury risk his entire career (I say unfairly because he played a ton of games and finished near the top of fantasy runner rankings year after year for quite some time), but the bottom line is that he’s the riskier of the two future hall-of-famers that were let go this week.

Riskier yes, but worth less right now? I’m not so sure. Westbrook has been a gamebreaker since he was drafted in the 3rd round by Philadelphia, and while LT is a solid receiver, Westbrook might be the best RB receiver in recent history. The guy has been a dynamic force, a do it all running back with the tools to get lots of yardage and fast.

For a pass happy team looking to add some perfect hands to their powerful running game, Westbrook might be the perfect answer – the risky part is those concussions. Will he play any more? That has to be a question going through his head, and it will be one he will eventually answer. But a healthy Westy is a good bet to catch 50-60 balls and be a flex option for a team that relies more heavily on a big back.

Some likely destinations? Minnesota comes to mind, if Chester Taylor is gone, as Westbrook’s ties to Brad Childress are strong. He would seemingly be perfect in a pass-happy scheme like New England, or in Seattle maybe (though I really like Justin Forsett as a speed playmaker), and a place like Green Bay. Basically, a team that might add LT has to think about Westbrook too – but it’s all about if he plays and staying healthy. Big risks for any “older” back, but especially Westy.

The Eagles should be okay at RB as Shady McCoy did good things during his first season in the NFL, producing as a receiver and a runner throughout the season. But what about Leonard Weaver? There were games down the stretch where the former full-back carried the load for Philly, and I’ve always liked his ability to both run between the tackles and catch the ball out of the backfield. His talent is undervalued, no doubt about that.

It will be interesting to see what the Eagles do, and which Philly back ends up with the most value. Obviously, McCoy is the better bet of the two, but I doubt Shady is on any waiverwires right now, while Big Weave might very well be.