Despite the possibility that free-agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson will take other visits next week, it’s our clear understanding in the wake of his visit to Minnesota on Thursday that he most likely will choose either the Vikings or the Jets.
One source with knowledge of the situation believes it will be a “close call” and that the Vikings did a “good job” of wooing the 2006 NFL MVP. (Jim Trotter of SI.com reported last night that the Vikings “wowed” Tomlinson, and that the Jets will “have to bring it” on Friday.
Jets coach Rex Ryan surely will make a big-talking, rah-rah push on Friday, and Tomlinson’s connection to offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer can’t hurt.
In the end, we think the decision will be driven by Tomlinson’s assessment regarding which team is more likely to get to the Super Bowl in 2010. Given the quality of the rest of the AFC, the Vikings seem to have the better chance of qualifying.
Either way, if Tomlinson picks one of these two teams he’ll get a chance to face the other one this season. Under the league’s scheduling formula, the Jets will be hosting the Vikings during the 2010 season.