I was wondering why LT left the chargers because he WAS my favorite player when he was on the chargers but not anymore.
Chargers wanted to restructure his contract for less money for a 2nd straight year and he declined. They then mutually decided that releasing him was best for both parties. LT didn't like AJ Smith and didn't think Norv's system and offensive philosophy was best for him.
He thought he could get a ring with the jets
He wanted a ring. Chargers wanted to move on.
Well it wasn't his choice. They released him bc they thought he was washed up/ done. So if you want to blame anyone for him leaving blame the Chargers organization. He signed with the Jets to try and (finally) get a ring.
As another answer said, LT was forced to leave the Chargers. From what I saw, LT wanted to retire a Charger, and I think he should have been given the opportunity to retire there. He has given that franchise so much over the time that he spent there, and obviously the organization felt that he wasn't the same player he was 5-6 years ago. So they decided not to renew his contract. It was the organization's decision to part ways with LT, and not his. So when an organization makes it clear that they don't believe in you as a player, then of course you have no option but to leave. LT was indeed a great player, and he is one of the classiest in the NFL. But the Chargers felt he wasn't going to be much better than he was at the time. Also note, there were a few controversies surrounding LT in regards to whether or not he was physically and mentally tough enough. I remember just before he left SD, he was questioned about whether or not he was truthfully injured in one of the playoff games. He was seen on the sidelines working out on an exercise bike, when many felt he could have continued to play in the game. So there were multiple reasons as to why the Chargers wanted to part ways, but the majority of it was his decline in effectiveness.
