The 30 Curse

The curse of turning 30 for an NFL running back has struck again. Monday it was L.T. and yesterday was Brian Westbrook. Two of the NFL best this past decade. So here we explore where these two may land and who may be next to get the hook because of their age.

Tomlinson: He has stated he wants to play for a veteran QB on a team who is in contention for a Super Bowl. He may have a few options, but he is not an every down back anymore, and his options are cold weather smash mouth teams. Neither of which bodes well for him. First up, Green Bay...Grant started to look like the player who earned a new contract towards the end of the season, but behind him is nothing. LT could be a good sub in for Grant through the year. Problem is how effective will he be in the Frozen Tundra?
NY Giants...Jacobs is bound to slip on a banana and Bradshaw showed he is not an every down back the Giants need. LT could add depth amongst a time share situation which could help Jacobs get through a whole season.
Indianapolis...Although Brown is the future, Addai has not shown much. Depending on what Addai's contract looks like LT has a very outside chance but not realistic.
New Orleans...With Mike Bell becoming a FA, who will steal those goal line carries? Reggie is not the answer and for some reason Sean Peyton didn't use Thomas more in those situations. After the big win, Peyton may reconsider just giving the rock to Thomas more in the goal line, but this is really only a sleeper option for LT.

Realistically, LT will have opportunity knock in places like Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, and maybe Cleveland. If he wants to play, it won't be with a veteran QB and won't be with a contender.

Brian Westbrook: I called his demise last year on this blog and it unfortunately came to fruition. He is the perfect example of what a crazy workload does to a RB. While he was as impressive as they come, it was only a matter of time. With the NFL suddenly freaking out over concussions, I don't see Westbrook having an option that he would want to jump at over retirement. In the end, I think he calls it quits and prepares for Canton.

Other players on the verge of the curse or just plain old getting washed up:

Clinton Portis: He was another back teams rode hard and it is showing. Maybe his his work ethic has something to do with it, but without a stellar performance this year, Shanny will send him packing if he doesn't before the season starts.

Willie Parker: Definitely not what he was, and it shows when Pittsburgh throws the ball 30 times a game. His slow deterioration has shown in the play calling by Tomlin.

Thomas Jones: Yes, this one is crazy due to his production the past two years. However, he has been pounding the rock for the Jets and he has looked good because of a low work load throughout his career until winding up in NY. Regardless, the body does not heal as quick at his age and all it is going to take is one injury and he will be done. He may have another year or two if he is kept healthy but the Football Reaper is waiting.

Marion Barber: Dallas has moved on without officially moving on. The goal this year was to get him back to that "closer" role. However, Choice and Jones looked far more impressive. Yes, he is only 26, but you saw what injury did to him after the first five games of the season. He will be the goal line back, but does Dallas really need him? He still has value in fantasy for his scoring potential, but is becoming nothing more that a situational player.

Others to keep tabs on: Willis Mcgahee, Edgerrin James, and Justin Fargas.