ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli reports that the San Diego Chargers have opted to re-sign Michael Turner as LaDainian Tomlinson’s shadow, er, backup. As his restricted free agent qualifying offer, Turner will now earn $2.35 million in 2007. The running back was mentioned considerably in trade talks with the Tennessee Titans, Buffalo, Bills, and Green Bay Packers, among others. But don’t be surprised if a deal still happens.

All three suitors still have a grave need for a running back, and options are thin come draft day. Only two running backs are worth a first round pick, Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch. After Lynch there is considerable drop-off.

One other running back has been recently mentioned in rumors which were quickly denied by the Chiefs: Larry Johnson. Scout.com recently reported that Green Bay already made an offer, and not long before that, NFL.com’s Adam Schefter reported there were four to five teams being baited with the running back.

If Johnson is in fact unavailable as Kansas City claims, Turner’s stock will remain high as ever. Buffalo and Tennessee figure to be the two most likely candidates for the running back, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if a deal was made on draft day.

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