Running back Darren Sproles has signed a one-year tender offer worth $7.2 million with the San Diego Chargers, while another rusher, Pittsburgh's Willie Parker, has joined Washington Redskins on a one-year deal.
Chargers back signs tender, Super Bowl winner off to Redskins
Running back Darren Sproles has signed a one-year tender offer worth $7.2 million with the San Diego Chargers, while another rusher, Pittsburgh's Willie Parker, has joined Washington Redskins on a one-year deal.
Sproles was franchised by the Chargers last season for $6.6 million, and this year they put a first and third round draft pick compensation tender on him to avoid him becoming an unrestricted free agent.
With LaDainian Tomlinson leaving, Sproles is the top back in San Diego with only Marcus Mason having regular season NFL experience.
San Diego do not seem willing to use Sproles as an every-down running back though, with his size and durability an issue while he also has game-breaking skills as a pass catcher and kick returner.
Sproles registered career bests last season with 343 rushing yards, 497 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, and had hoped to sign a long-term deal - but the Chargers are only willing to offer him a one-year contract.
Fast Willie
One running back on the move is former Pittsburgh Steeler Willie Parker, who has joined the Washington Redskins on a one-year deal worth up to $3.1 million.
The 29-year-old lost his starting job in Pittsburgh to Rashard Mendenhall last season and ran for just 389 yards as a back-up whilst also suffering from injury.
Parker joins the Redskins' veteran duo of rushers with Clinton Portis recently joined by Larry Johnson - who signed a three-year deal after leaving Kansas City.
The Skins have reportedly told Parker that the starting job is up for grabs amongst the three, and he says he is going to the capital looking to play a lead role in the team.
Parker has two Super Bowl rings from his time in Pittsburgh, and ran for a record-breaking 75-yard touchdown in Super Bowl XL against the Seattle Seahawks.
