Darren Sproles to Become Free Agent

The San Diego Chargers have reportedly decided not to tender Darren Sproles a contract meaning he will be a free agent come March 5th.  This also likely means the Chargers will be featuring a new running back next season with LaDanian Tomlinson being given his walking papers earlier in the week.

A prevalent rumor making the rounds this week has the Chargers offering one time All Pro corner back Antonio Cromartie in exchange for a starting caliber running back or a first round draft pick.  The proposed deal that seems to have the most teeth to it is one that has the Chargers sending Cromartie to the Vikes in exchange for the rights to restricted free agent Chester Taylor and a mid-round draft pick, thought to be a 3rd or 4th round pick.  It is thought that Cromartie will be dealt sooner rather than later.

If the Chargers fail to land a back via trade then look for the Chargers to spend a first or second round pick on a back.  It remains unclear whether there is going to be any backs on the free agent market that offer a long term solution for the Chargers who have excelled at drafting backs over the years.

As for Sproles there should be a pretty decent market for a player like him as speedy backs who can catch the ball out of the back field and return kicks are quickly becoming en vogue in the NFL.  There is no word on who might be in the market for Sproles initially but I could see teams like the Dolphins, Browns, Steelers, Colts, Jaguars, Packers, Bears, Rams and Niners having in interest in Sproles.  There is also the possibility that the Chargers try to re-sign Sproles at a reduced salary from the $6 million they paid him last season.

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