LaDainian Tomlinson dominated the NFL consciousness Wednesday, and as we learned from NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora, the running back already is in Minnesota meeting with Vikings coaches and executives, according to a league source.

Vikings coach Brad Childress, in dialogue with reporters earlier Wednesday, suggested he’d make it clear to Tomlinson that the free agent is looking at a reduced role in Minnesota behind Adrian Peterson. The NFL Network crew spent a good portion of the day discussing that “fit” between the Vikings and Tomlinson, and it isn’t a one-sided debate.

“For what he wants, [it is]. And he wants to win a championship,” said resident running back expert Marshall Faulk, who cautions that Tomlinson would need to adjust mentally and physically to coming off the bench. “If he can accept his role, what a great fit.”

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock sees it differently.

“I’m not sure what the right fit is,” Mayock said on NFL Total Access. “I don’t see him as a starter, I think he’s gong to have trouble accepting a diminished role. I say this with all due respect, because I have nothing but appreciation for him as a player or the way he has handled himself personally. I don’t think he’s anywhere near what he was in the prime of his career. I don’t think he’s a starting running back in the NFL. I don’t think he’s a fit in Minnesota.”

For now, we’re left waiting to see if Tomlinson and the Vikings’ brass agree with Faulk or with Mayock.

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