Chargers use Franchise Tag on Sproles
 

CHARGERS TAG SPROLES


The San Diego Chargers have applied the franchise tag to running back Darren Sproles, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

Though Schefter characterizes the move as the biggest surprise of the month, we respectfully disagree. There’s no way that quietly embattled G.M. A.J. Smith could have afforded allowing Sproles to become the next budding offensive star to walk away without immediate compensation.

Three years ago, it was Drew Brees, the 2008 AP offensive player of the year. Last year, it was Michael Turner, an MVP finalist in his first season with the Falcons. Though the Chargers might end up trading Sproles to a new team, they’ll at least get something of value in return.

Or maybe they’ll keep him around. He’s likely not sufficiently durable to be an every-down back. If they pair him with LaDainian Tomlinson, perhaps the one-two punch can fuel the offense without leaving either player worn down for the postseason.

Well shit the bed!! He would have looked good in red.

This is about as surprising as the Cassel tag. I don't know how Schefter didn't see it coming.

Good for Sproles! That should mean some serious money, he has earned it.

wow ... im surprised


but good for him :clap:

I think it is a smart decision by the Chargers because LT is about done

F tag over performance in two games?

He's a stud, but I think it was rushed.

If the Chargers would have traded LT last year and kept Turner, SD would even further ahead in the Afc west.

It was a no brainer decision to me, but I guess SD has a little bit of Chiefs fever. Keep the old because they did great things for you yesterday instead of looking forward to tomorrow.

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I don't like this move.

We needed to lock him up to at least a 3 or 4 year deal.

Now the Chargers will have to use a pick in the draft on a RB, where I don't think they would have had to if they signed him to a multi-year contract.

Okay I rethought it, my last post is pretty dumb.

I do like bringing Sproles back for just one year, he can go elsewhere after that, I don't care. I don't think hes an every down back.

He is set to make $6.62 Million this year. LT's current contract has him at $8 Million this year. AJ Smith has already said that if LT Wants to stay here they are going to have to renegotiate his contract. The numbers that were being thrown around earlier were about $5 Million per yer.

I really don't think that LT is going to want to take less money than Sproles.

Why is AJ Smith "embattled"?

I am hoping you all trade LT, get hit with the remainder of his salary and then add in Sproles salary..

That should hopefully take a huge chunk out of your 14m

If we cut LT (which wont happen) the cap hit is $2 Million compared to the $8 Million he is owed this year.

If you really want our cap to be weak then you want LT to stay here.

I get a laugh over the, "He isn't an every down back" argument. In today's NFL who really is? You need 2 or 3 good backs on your team regardless. At least now they can get something for him if somebody wants him bad enough.

I love Sproles. I went to high school and college with the guy. He's class. I'm happy for him.

Doesn't his size just scare the hell out of
dishing out that kind of $
just one good squish

He's a neat player, seriously fast, and valuable to the team. But he's a back-up, change-of-pace type of back. I am shocked they franchised him. I don't think he's worth that kind of money, and he's definitely not worth trading a 1st and a 3rd for, IMO.

sproles is way better than tomlinson.

I must say I'm real surprised by this. This franchise can blow up in the Bolts face real easily. I don't think anyone really believes that Sproles can take the punishment of a 16-game schedule against NFL talent. I don't believe very many teams believe this as well. I know that Tomlinson has been hurt, but there has to be a better option than this.

I think A.J. Smith is a hugely overrated GM, and will never have a SB to show for the team he built with tons of high picks that came from sucking for so long.

They're stuck with Sproles now. Nobody's gonna give up what they're gonna ask for him.

I was hoping we could take a stab at him.....oh well

Olathe product. Nothing bad comes out of Olathe.

Haha, I remember the stupid ass chants Kstate dumbasses had for that dude.