LaDainian Tomlinson

LaDainian Tomlinson and the San Diego Chargers have agreed to a renegotiated deal that will keep the star running back with the team until 2011.

The move clears up the Chargers backfield situation for fantasy leaguers.

Tomlinson is without question one of the greatest running backs in fantasy football history, but his lack of consistent production last season had to be seen as a warning sign. He put up the worst rushing totals of his entire career, and his 12 total touchdowns were the lowest since his rookie season.

Three of those scores came against the Broncos in Week 17, which is after most fantasy championships were decided.

L.T. will remain the top option in the ground game for coach Norv Turner, but he’s destined to lose at least some time in the backfield to Darren Sproles. The smallish but electric running back was franchised by the team but has yet to sign his $6.6 million tender.

I also wouldn’t be shocked if the Chargers selected a running back of the future in the the NFL Draft.

Tomlinson, who will be 30 at the start of next season, still has enough left in the tank to make an impact in fantasy circles. But make no mistake, he is not the same player who broke the NFL record for touchdowns in 2006. He’s not even the same player who scored 18 total touchdowns in 2007.

Overall, Tomlinson should now be seen as more of a No. 2 fantasy back. He’ll come off the board in the late first round or early second round in all drafts.

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