The San Diego Chargers have taken a big -- and expensive -- step to ensure that they won't lose free agent running back Darren Sproles.The Chargers have designated Sproles their franchise player, Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting. That means Sproles isn't going anywhere, and it means that he'll either agree to a long-term contract extension to stay in San Diego, or he'll sign a one-year deal for $6.6 million.
Eitther way, the Chargers are devoting a lot of money to Sproles, and that indicates that they've come to the realization that LaDainian Tomlinson, who will turn 30 in June, can't be their feature back for much longer. The only question left is whether the Chargers are willing to pay big money to have both Sproles and Tomlinson in 2009, or whether Tomlinson could be sent packing.
In the 2008 regular season, Sproles carried 61 times for 330 yards, a 5.4 yards per carry average. Tomlinson carried 292 times for 1,110 yards, a 3.8 yards per carry average. In the playoffs, Sproles carried 33 times for 120 yards. Tomlinson, injured in January for the second straight years, carried just five times for 25 yards.
Tracking NFL Free Agents
Darren Sproles, Running back
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY CHARGERS
The Latest: Sproles will earn $6.6 million next season after San Diego franchised him. Now the question is, will he be the starter or LdT's backup?
Donald Miralle, Getty Images
Brandon Jacobs, Running back
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY GIANTS
The Latest: The non-exclusive tag means that Jacobs is still able to sign elsewhere, but would cost two first-round picks as compensation. He'll spend at least one more season in New York because of that.
Bill Kostroun, AP
Chris Johnson, Cornerback
RE-SIGNED WITH OAKLAND - 4 years, terms not announced
The Latest: Oakland wasted no time locking up Johnson with a multi-year deal, and now can focus all its attention on making sure Nnamdi Asomugha is lined up at the Raiders' other cornerback spot.
Paul Sakuma, AP
Karlos Dansby, Linebacker
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY CARDINALS
The Latest: For the second straight season, the Cardinals used the franchise tag on Dansby. He can still negotiate with other teams, but likely will spend next season in the desert - whether he wants to or not.
Ross D. Franklin, AP
Albert Haynesworth, Defensive tackle, Tennessee Titans
Regular Season Stats: 14 starts, 51 tackles (41 solo), 8.5 sacks
The Latest: The Titans promised Haynesworth that they wouldn't franchise him for the second straight year, so he'll become a free agent.
Mark Humphrey, AP
Kerry Collins, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
Regular Season Stats: 16 games played (15 starts), 2,676 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, 80.2 QB rating
The Latest: Despite his age (36), Collins feels he is in line for a big contract -- comparable to whatever Kurt Warner receives.
Scott Boehm, Getty Images
Ray Lewis, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 117 tackles (85 solo), 3.5 sacks, 3 INTs
The Latest: The franchise tag rules mean that Lewis would become the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history at more than $11 million if the Ravens went that route. Baltimore would prefer to re-sign Lewis.
Rob Carr, AP
Terrell Suggs, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 68 tackles (53 solo), eight sacks, two INTs
The Latest: Suggs suggested that he, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott all take hometown discounts and stay in Baltimore, so he wants to be there. He's a cheaper franchise tag option than Lewis.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Bart Scott, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 82 tackles (61 solo), 1.5 sacks
The Latest: Is there room for Scott in Baltimore? With the franchise tag likely landing on Terrell Suggs and the Ravens doing all it takes to sign Ray Lewis, it doesn't look like Scott is a priority.
G. Newman Lowrance, Getty Images
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Regular Season Stats: 15 starts, 92 catches for 904 yards, four touchdowns
The Latest: The only way Housh returns is if the Bengals franchise him. Otherwise, he'll sign a lucrative contract elsewhere -- possibly with Philadelphia, where he's already expressed interest in playing.
Scott Boehm, Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-22-2009 @ 10:27AM
Debby said...
As former neighbors of the Sproles in Olathe, my family couldn't be prouder of the player he's become! Not only is Darren an outstanding athlete, he's a quality person from quality parents. Although we now live in New York, the Smiths are Charger fans. GO DARREN!!
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