When it comes to franchise players, one of the forgotten men is Chargers running back Darren Sproles.
A league source tells us that Sproles, who signed his one-year, $6.621 million franchise tender on April 29, is not expected to ink a long-term deal before Wednesday's deadline of 4:00 p.m. EDT.
It's not a surprise. The prevailing strategy for running backs is to finish his rookie deal, to use the franchise tag on the players once or twice, and then to let them walk away.
This allows the team to take advantage of the best years of the tailback's career, and to avoid making a huge financial investment in a player who is entering the twilight of his prime.
In the Chargers' case, the other problem is the continued presence of LaDainian Tomlinson, who might not react well if Sproles were to score a huge contract.
Sproles not expected to sign a long-term deal
Posted by Mike Florio on July 14, 2009 11:08 PM ET
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Latest stories in: Contracts, Latest News and Rumors, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Transactions, San Diego Chargers, Top Stories
Latest stories in: Contracts, Latest News and Rumors, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Transactions, San Diego Chargers, Top Stories
remember when you said Ladainian wouldnt sign a new contract because of Sproles franchise tag.. and then he did.
Why do you think he would mind if Sproles signed a long term deal?
theres no way he would be making as much as L.T.
How is he a forgotten man. All you hear about is people talking about Sproles taking over the starting job. Please Florio...
LT is soft.
LaDainian Tomlinson is one of the softest athletes in the NFL.
"LaDainian Tomlinson is one of the softest athletes in the NFL."
LaDainian Tomlinson has beaten the Raiders 10 straight games...
yeahhh Write that down.
"the other problem is the continued presence of LaDainian Tomlinson, who might not react well if Sproles were to score a huge contract."
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Hell ya, nobody wants to hear that little baby cry again, that's for sure.
the raiders? come back when it's a real opponent.
Really guys? Seriously? Dissing on LT? Silly Raiders fans. I'm no Chargers fan but I know all of you commenting on how "soft" he is, would like him to be on their teams roster.
Who wants a cry baby cancer on their team, Willie?
Not me, no way.