Antonio Dromartie
Speedy little Darren Sproles is staying with the San Diego Chargers, after all.
The Chargers placed the maximum first- and third-round tender on Sproles on Thursday, one of two surprise moves in the hours before free agency began.
The Chargers also released tackle Jamal Williams, a 12-year veteran who has been the run-stuffing anchor of the defensive line. Williams sustained an arm injury in the 2009 season opener and missed the rest of the year. He’ll turn 34 next month and has a history of knee injuries.
Sproles was offered a contract for $7,283,000. If the five-year veteran signs an offer sheet with another team, San Diego would have the right to match the offer or receive first- and third-round draft picks as compensation for losing him.
injured reserve because of a concussion.Raiders: The team placed one-year tenders on backup quarterback Charlie Frye, fullback Luke Lawton and safety Hiram Eugene before the deadline Thursday. Oakland would receive a third-round draft pick if another team signs Frye and the Raiders refuse to match the offer. They refused to place tenders on offensive tackle Khalif Barnes, fullback Gary Russell and linebacker Jon Alston, who become free agents. The Raiders are interested in re-signing Barnes, just not at the price it would have cost them by using the one-year tender on the restricted free agent.
Panthers: Carolina cut Jake Delhomme, just over a year after they gave him a lucrative contract extension only to watch him have his worst season as a pro. It signals the Panthers intend to go with Matt Moore or someone new at quarterback for the first time since Delhomme burst onto the scene in 2003 and led Carolina to the Super Bowl.
