Darren Sproles
The San Diego Chargers unexpectedly placed a first- and third-round tender on running back Darren Sproles Thursday afternoon.
The team previously informed Sproles that they would not be placing a tender of any sort on him.
Sproles will earn $7.283 million with the team next season if he doesn’t land elsewhere.
The “tremendous interest” in the Charger running back was likely the reason the team changed its mind. He was expected to be one of the most sought after free agents this off-season.
Sproles wasn’t the only player getting surprised with news on Thursday. Defensive tackle Jamal Williams was unexpectedly released.
“Jamal has been an anchor of our defense for 12 seasons,” Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement, per NFL.com. “He’s battled courageously at one of the most punishing positions on the field, and I respect him immensely.”