Source: ESPN



The San Diego Chargers changed their mind and placed the first- and-third-round tender on running back Darren Sproles on Thursday, the team announced.

A week ago, the team announced that it would not tender Sproles, allowing him to become a free agent. On Thursday, they decided they couldn't afford to lose Sproles after releasing LaDainian Tomlinson.

Sproles would earn $7.2897 million in 2010 if he signs the tender. The Chargers would have seven days to match an offer if a team tries to sign him. If it doesn't match, San Diego would receive a first and a third-round draft choice from the team that signs him.

Last year, the Chargers kept Sproles by placing the franchise tag on him at $6.6 million.