Michael Turner situation
Michael Turner, LaDainian Tomlinson's backup, has had only 157 carries in three seasons. He has averaged 6.0 yards per carry and scored 5 TDs.
His most memorable play was an 83-yard sprint for a touchdown in 2005 that secured the Chargers' upset of previously undefeated Indianapolis.
Tomlinson, the NFL's MVP in 2006, has averaged 342 carries per season over the last three years and 341.6 over his six-year career. Turner provides the Chargers a very talented safety net in the event Tomlinson breaks down.
But Turner is a restricted free agent and the Chargers could lose him. But as a restricted free agent, the Chargers still maintain some control.
If they make Turner a contract offer by Thursday's deadline, they will retain the right of first refusal and the opportunity to be compensated in draft picks if he elects to sign with another team.
The Chargers could tender Turner one of three dollar figures. Compensation in the form of draft picks is attached to each dollar figure, should Turner sign with another team.
According to Denver's Rocky Mountain News, a $1.3 million tender would return a second-round pick ...
$1.85 would return a first-round pick ...
$2.35 would return a first and third-round pick.
The paper reported that the Chargers are $22 million under the salary cap and could easily afford whatever they offer Turner.
By making a tender, the Chargers retain the right to match any offer Turner receives, or decline to match and receive the draft pick compensation.