After making one key running back decision last offseason, the Chargers now will be forced to make another.

Last year, rather than look to do the unthinkable and consider trading franchise running back LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego let his backup Michael Turner leave for the Atlanta Falcons.

Now, after a season in which Tomlinson fought injuries and reduced production, Chargers mighty-mite running back Darren Sproles is poised to become a free agent. One NFL executive e-mailed Sunday morning: “Be careful spending money on the guy. He is small, 200 pounds, and if he gets the money, can he hold up and deliver for 16-plus games?”

Still, every time Sproles has been questioned at any level, he has produced. The Chargers were questioned for allowing Turner to leave. They will be questioned again if they allow Sproles to leave.

San Diego cannot afford to let Sproles go, but it will be awfully pricey to get him to stay.

Posted in: Adam Schefter  | comments  |