On February 18, 2009, the Chargers placed their franchise tag on Sproles. He signed the tender on April 28, 2009, which was worth $6.621 million. In Week 2, against the Baltimore Ravens, he had seven receptions for 124 yards in the 31–26 loss. On October 19, he had a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown in a 34–23 loss to the Denver Broncos. On Christmas Day, he had 38 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in a 42–17 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Overall, in the 2009 regular season, he finished with 343 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 45 receptions, 497 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns. On special teams, he had 54 kick returns for 1,300 net yards and 26 punt returns for 183 net yards and a touchdown.