Sproles signs tender
Leading up to the beginning of the NFL free-agency period, it looked as though Chargers running back Darren Sproles would have the opportunity to test the open market.
Instead, the Chargers, who franchised Sproles in 2009, placed a first- and third-round tender on him before the deadline.
Today Sproles signed the tender, which will guarantee him a 2010 salary of $7.2813 million, according to ESPN's John Clayton.
Sproles is a versatile back that can help the Chargers in a variety of ways, including on special teams.
In 2009, Sproles carried the ball 93 times for 343 yards and three touchdowns while catching 45 passes for 497 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 24.1 yards per kickoff return and 7.0 yards per punt return.
Being small in stature means that Sproles can't be counted upon to be an every-down back.
Although they released LaDainian Tomlinson, who was signed by the Jets, it's expected that the Chargers will add a running back via the NFL draft. Several mock drafts project the Chargers to draft Fresno State's Ryan Mathews in the first round.
So, at best, Sproles shouldn't be more than a flex option in fantasy football for 2010.
