LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers were able to come together on a restructured contract that allows the running back to stay in San Diego.

The deal, which concludes nearly two weeks of contract talks, will also allow Tomlinson to make the $6.725 million he was scheduled to earn this season. That amount was originally in base salary, but has been restructured to be part signing bonus and part salary to help the team create room under the salary cap. Tomlinson’s pay for this season had been a sticking point because his backup, Darren Sproles, is scheduled to make $6.6 million this season as a result of the one-year tender for being designated with the team’s franchise tag.

As part of the deal, Tomlinson also reworked the final two years of the contract to help the Chargers. Tomlinson will reduce his base salaries of $8 million in 2010 and $9.275 million in 2011. Tomlinson will be able to earn the money back in incentives. In addition, some of his contract will be converted to a roster bonus payable in March 2010, forcing the Chargers to have to make an earlier decision on whether to keep him.

“I love San Diego and being a part of this team with my teammates,” said Tomlinson. “My No. 1 priority was to stay here in San Diego. I truly believe this is the place that gives me the best chance to be successful and win a championship. I want to finish the job we started when I got here eight years ago. My heart has always been in San Diego. I couldn’t imagine putting on another uniform.

“I really appreciate the role Dean played throughout this process. He made it work for everyone, and I appreciate his friendship more than he knows.”

Good to see this deal get done. Just because LT didn’t put up LT-like numbers last year, doesn’t mean that he’s done. With a full offseason of rest, he can join Darren Sproles again in San Diego’s backfield next year and hopefully have a bounce back season.

But what I want to know is – where is A.J. Smith in all over this? How big (or small) of a role did he have in re-working this deal?