Chargers may not plan to retain RB Sproles

The San Diego Chargers have released starting running back LaDainian Tomlinson, and they may do the same thing with backup running back Darren Sproles, who is likely to join Tomlinson in free agent market as the chargers have decided not to tender a contract to him.

Sproles has said he believes he can be an every-down back. The Chargers have used him as a backup running back, return man and as a receiver out of the backfield. Valuing him as a multiple threat, the Chargers, however, hesitate to offer a long-term deal to Sproles because he is expensive. He made about $6.6 million last season after being tagged as a franchise player and would make about $7.3 million if the Chargers re-sign him.

If the Chargers give up Sproles, other team would be glad to have one more featured choice in the market. Sproles was second to Tomlinson last year with 343 yards and three touchdowns on 93 carries, fourth with 45 catches for 497 yards and four TDs. He was also one of the best punt returner. Whatever, since the Chargers did not feel pity for releasing Tomlinson, they may feel even less for having Sproles take off Chargers jersey.