Darren Sproles drew the short stick with the New Orleans Saints. The running back was released in favor of salary cap space. The Saints roster was crowded at the running back position and they opted to release one of their more consistent backs in favor of the promise of progress Mark Ingram displayed at the end of the season. Now a free agent, Sproles finds himself the target of a lot of teams.
According to Bleacher Report, the New England Patriots could be the favorite to sign Sproles in free agency. The team has been utilizing a three-back system, but one running back is expected to not return leaving a spot for Sproles. Right now New England has Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley on the roster for next year while LeGarrette Blount is expected to hit free agency.
Sproles is one of the better all-around backs in the league. Last season he put up 1,237 all-purpose yard. He averaged 21.3 yards on kick returns while being an excellent pass catcher and blocker on the line. Sproles was a reliable target for Drew Brees in his three years with the Saints and could easily do the same with the Patriots. New England needs all of the receiving help it can get with the potential departure of Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. Sproles would be a welcomed presence.
If Sproles get swept up, the Patriots have a few other cost-effective options to replace Blount. The Patriots are likely not looking to sign a star running back like Knowshon Moreno since they already have two others on the roster. Former Texans running back Ben Tate could be an option. He does not have the numbers to warrant any kind of high-priced contract, but could be a reliable every-down back if the Patriots want one. He put up 771 yards while filling in for Arian Foster.
Donald Brown of the Indianapolis Colts would be a solid fit for the Patriots. The running back is not returning to Indianapolis after the team gave up a lot for Trent Richardson. Brown put up 537 yards off 102 carries, but he might be looking for more than the Patriots are willing to give.
Other strong options could be Toby Gerhart who is moving on from the Minnesota Vikings or Dexter McCluster who fits the same kind of mold as Sproles. The Patriots will stick with a three-back system which worked out well in 2013.