SAN DIEGO -- The franchise tag has been applied to running back Darren Sproles. The Chargers made the move on Wednesday afternoon, an action that virtually ensures the shifty rusher and return specialist will be with the team in 2009.

Sproles has been given the non-exclusive franchise designation, which comes with a mandated one-year, $6.62 million contract offer -- a sum derived from the top five salaries at the running back position in 2008.

Sproles is still open to explore free agency, but a courting team would have to exceed the aforementioned tender and give the Chargers a pair of first-round picks. That's a steep price likely to scare most teams away, although the Chargers could work out a deal for alternate compensation.

Sproles was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent armed with buzz generated by a standout regular season and a dominant playoff performance versus Indianapolis.

"We thought a lot about it and we felt a little bit uncomfortable with the unknown, which would be Darren entering the open market," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said. "At that point, we would have been one of 32 teams. We' ve decided to put a franchise tag on him and have him as a part of our team for this (upcoming) year."

The Chargers would like Sproles to stick around longer than that. Smith said that he'll meet with Gary Wichard, Sproles' agent, at the NFL combine, which runs through Tuesday in Indianapolis, to discuss a long-term deal.

"We'd like to him here long term," Smith said. "That's our intention. I have no idea what Darren and his agent are thinking."

Wichard told the Associated Press that he knew the franchise tag was coming and that it was "kind of an honor."

"I think that putting the franchise tag on Darren certainly shows where the San Diego Chargers feel his value is," Wichard told the AP. "I'm sure it'll be worked out between the team and I. Putting the franchise tag on him gives them breathing room to get other things taken care of. They know that if Darren goes out in free agency, it would be a different story."

The Chargers would ultimately like to sign Sproles a longer contract with a smaller annual salary cap number than the one-year offer on the table. Should Sproles sign the one-year tender -- a massive upgrade over his $1.1 million base salary in 2008 -- he'd be off the books at the same time contracts for quarterback Philip Rivers, linebacker Shawne Merriman and left tackle Marcus McNeill expire.

Asked about his own contract situation by the Associated Press, Tomlinson said: "I'm going to defer to next week. Then I'll know a little bit more."

The Chargers would still like to create future salary cap space with a renegotiation of LaDainian Tomlinson's contract, which could include a pay cut and deferred money. Tomlinson carries a 2009 salary cap number of $8.8 million, and the Chargers are unlikely to devote roughly $15.4 million to a pair of running backs.

Smith insisted that the franchise tag and Sproles' guaranteed pay raise does not change on the Chargers desire to keep Tomlinson.

"Has L.T. been eliminated from the process because of the franchise tag? Absolutely not," said Smith, who will discuss a contract renegotiation with Tom Condon, Tomlinson's agent, at the combine. "This designation has nothing to do with LaDainian Tomlinson. We're hoping to get a new deal done with him. One thing is not related to the other."

Neither should the franchise tag imply a change in how the Chargers view the 5-foot-6, 181-pound Sproles.

"We look at him the same," Smith said. "If there's any tweaking to his role that's a topic for the head coach, but I believe his role will be very similar to what it has been in the past."

Sproles has excelled as a change-of-pace back, receiving threat and special teams standout who gets far more touches that a typical backup. That was evident last season, when he had 165 touches for 2,297 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns.

Sproles has expressed his desire to be an every-down rusher in the NFL, which could pose a problem in contract talks. No matter what happens with Sproles in the coming days, the Chargers will get something in return. It'll either be compensation, or Sproles services in the short or long term.

Contact staff writer Scott Bair at (760) 739-6642 or sbair@nctimes.com