Chargers Place Highest Tender On RB Sproles, Release DT Jamal Williams

After initially indicating that they would allow Darren Sproles to test the free agent market, the San Diego Chargers went in the opposite direction Thursday and placed a first-and-third tender on their speedy running back / kick returner.

From the San Diego Union-Tribune:

The move guarantees Sproles a salary of $7.27 million if he stays with the Chargers, unless the club can sign him to a long-term deal. He made $6.62 million last season as the Chargers’ franchise player and is entitled to a 10 percent raise.

The Chargers also decided to release 12-year San Diego veteran DT Jamal Williams.

Sources also said Williams, a Pro Bowl nose tackle who had been with the Chargers for 12 seasons, would be released. Williams, who will be 34 next month, would have been owed a $1 million roster bonus and was scheduled to earn $5 million in 2010. He played in only one game last season due to a triceps injury suffered in the season opener.

It’s unclear if Sproles will be given the chance to start, as the Chargers have been actively shopping for a running back to replace LaDainian Tomlinson. But given the amount of money that San Diego will be paying Sproles to stay, it would only make sense to give him a chance.