Darren Sproles Signs One-Year Tender Worth $7.2813 Million

During the offseason, the San Diego Chargers were left with a question at running back. What to do with the aging LaDainian Tomlinson and what to do with Darren Sproles, who entered the offseason as perhaps the most coveted restricted free agent running back on the market. You can understand their dilemma, having Marcus Mason as the team's sole running back leading a collection of fullback-type of players.

In early March, the Chargers tendered Sproles the highest tender. Signing with another team would give the Chargers a first and third-round draft pick if San Diego elected not to match. If he signed the one-year tender, Sproles would make $7.2813 million in 2010.

On Friday, ESPN's John Clayton reports that Sproles signed that tender according to a source.

Sproles was the Chargers franchise player last season but the uncapped year prevented him from being a free agent because he didn't have six years of experience. To prevent him from leaving, the Chargers designated him a restricted free agent. Any team that wanted to sign him would have had to surrender a first- and third-round pick.

Check in on Bolts from the Blue for more reaction.