SAN DIEGO -- Despite the high price tag, San Diego Chargers running back Michael Turner -- the backup to league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson -- could be a hot commodity in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft.
General manager A.J. Smith said he fielded several inquiries about Turner, a restricted free agent, during the league meetings earlier this week in Phoenix.
"It is a buzz," Smith said Friday. "I'd say it picked up speed as we left Wednesday night."
The GM values Turner so much that he put a first-and-third tender on the bruising 237-pounder, who averaged 6.3 yards a carry last season in spelling Tomlinson. That means if another team signs Turner to an offer sheet, the Chargers can either match the offer or receive that team's first- and third-round picks in the draft April 28-29.
If Turner remains a Charger, he'll make $2.35 million next season.
Turner can become an unrestricted free agent after next season, so his value to the Chargers is the highest right now. The team will listen to trade offers.
"My position is a one and a three for now, but we'd be open to whatever somebody has to say," Smith said. "If it's something we like, we'd entertain it. If not, he'll return and be a backup and a kickoff returner and next year he's free and off he goes."
Smith wouldn't say which teams showed the most interest.
"A few of them absolutely have strong interest. Some might be lukewarm, some are on the outside just getting into it," Smith said. "Where it goes from there, I don't know. No question, it's legit. We're just sitting here with a one-and-a-three tender, and activity. Whether we stick to that, or take less, I don't really know."
Turner carried 80 times for 502 yards and two touchdowns last year. Tomlinson set NFL records with 31 touchdowns and 186 points, while winning his first rushing title with 1,815 yards.
"There's no timetable," Smith said. "It could go all the way through the draft."
Alex_SDCA 
