Chargers determined to keep top free agents

INDIANAPOLIS — The Chargers appear determined to keep their remaining four top restricted free agents after allowing running back Darren Sproles to test the market.

According to sources familiar with the Chargers’ intentions, the team is expected to place the first-and-third tender on left tackle Marcus McNeill, linebacker Shawne Merriman and receivers Malcom Floyd and Vincent Jackson.

That is the highest possible tender and would assure the Chargers of receiving significant compensation if one of them signed elsewhere.

Ostensibly, another team would have to give the Chargers first- and third-round draft picks in this year’s draft if they signed one of the four. But the sides could negotiate a lesser deal.

One source cautioned that “things could change.” But several sources said the Chargers are making known their intentions to put the highest tender on those four players, believing that is the only way to keep them from being poached.

Other teams could deem any or all of those four — not to mention eight other restricted free agents — worth parting with draft picks.

But most general managers speaking at the NFL Combine this week indicated they did not anticipate a lot of movement in restricted free agency even though so many top players are restricted and the unrestricted market is considered relatively light.

Floyd, Jackson, McNeill and Merriman were all due to be unrestricted free agents this year but are restricted because of 2010 being uncapped in the final season of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

As a player with five years’ experience, Jackson will receive $3.268 million in 2010 and Floyd $3.168 million. Merriman is entitled to 110 percent of his 2009 salary ($2.972 million), which means he will make $3.269 million.

Sproles became one of the top unrestricted free agents available when the Chargers opted to not tender him because of the $7.3 million price tag that would have been required.

The Chargers hold out hope they can entice Sproles to return with a multiyear contract offer. However, sources said the deep-pocketed Washington Redskins are going to be among those in the bidding for Sproles.

It appears as though one Charger will be on the move.

Trade talks regarding cornerback Antonio Cromartie have progressed at the Combine this week, league sources said. And sources familiar with the teams the Chargers have spoken with said the Detroit Lions are the leading contender to get Cromartie and could acquire him soon in exchange for a mid-round draft pick.