San Diego general manager A.J. Smith wanted to return from the NFL Combine with the LaDainian Tomlinson situation solved, but his wish was not granted. The two sides met Sunday, but what was discussed hasn't been revealed by either camp. It seemed to be a relatively simple procedure, because the Chargers expressed a desire to re-sign the running back and Tomlinson stated that he'd like to stay in San Diego.

The Chargers have determined that with all the other players they want to sign over the next year, they cannot afford to keep LaDainian Tomlinson at his current salary. His cap number is $8.79 million as it includes a $2.06 million prorated portion of his 2004 signing bonus. Sources have said Tomlinson will be released if the sides can't reach agreement on a restructure. Tomlinson being gone will not affect Sproles' role, but it could impact where the Chargers take a running back in the draft.

San Diego Chargers running back and kick returner Darren Sproles has been designated the team?s Franchise Player for the 2009 season. Sproles, 25, was designated a ?non-exclusive? Franchise Player, which means that he can still negotiate with other teams. Should he receive an offer from another team, the Chargers can either match the new club?s offer or receive two first-round draft choices as compensation. As a ?non-exclusive? Franchise Player, Sproles received a one-year contract offer from the Chargers that is the average of the top five salaried running backs from the ?08 season. The Chargers and Sproles also may continue to negotiate a long-term contract. ?Darren has been a valuable contributor to our team, both on offense and special teams,? said General Manager A.J. Smith. ?He is a young and improving player. We expect we?ll utilize his many talents as we have in the past and he?ll be a valuable asset in the coming season.?

NFL legend Marshall Faulk touched on the LaDainian Tomlinson situation in San Diego, and said that he doesn't believe LT should take a pay cut. "They really have to be careful with this situation, because you can't just replace the character portion of what LT is. Even though he might not be what he was two or three years ago, he's still better than most and very effective. I'll say this anytime: LT at 70 percent is better than most guys at 100 percent. And they haven't had him at full strength for two years now. If they allow that to be their determining factor, they're making a bad decision. The decision should be left up to LT: Do you want to be here? and if you do want to be here, let's find a way to get your cap number down," Faulk said. "He's earned the money. But this whole pay-cut thing is crazy. Now, if you want to defer it, let's defer it. But pay cut? I don't believe in that. Right now, if he was putting up 2,000 yards, would he get a pay increase? No."

The Chargers are mulling over whether they should place their franchise tag on running back Darren Sproles. The NFL Combine begins next week, where decisions will likely be made. It would likely be the first time that San Diego will have in-depth talks with Sproles' agent about a long-term contract.