The NFL trade market is heating up a bit this offseason with Darren Sproles and teams like the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins could be options for the Saints running back after New Orleans signed Pierre Thomas to a two year deal.
Sproles has been mentioned in rumors for a week now and at first it was regarding his possible release from the Saints and now the team reportedly is looking to trade him. According to ESPN.com and other media outlets, after the cut reports came out, the Saints have looked to trade Sproles, as they hope to get some return for the speedy running back rather than just release him. There are a number of teams where Sproles fits and since he is a nimble kick returner as well, it could get more teams involved in a potential deal.
Sproles is one of the most dynamic running backs in the league and it is due to his skills as a pass catcher and now that the Saints have agreed to a two year deal with Thomas, it appears his time in New Orleans is now over. Sproles previously set the record for all-purpose yards in a season, but last year he took a step back in production behind Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram and that is one reason why the Saints are looking to deal him. Thomas was the top rusher for the team last season and behind him were Ingram with 386 yards and Khiry Robinson with 224 yards.
Sproles has never been much of a rusher anyway, but his other production went down, as he finished with just two touchdowns on 71 catches and 604 receiving along with 220 yards rushing. For a comparison, last season Sproles had seven touchdowns and 75 catches and while that isn't much difference, those touchdowns were huge for the Saints and now he is on his way out of town. Sproles had 86 catches back in 2011 to go with 710 yards and he added 603 yards rushing that season, but now he appears to be more of a pass catching back with return abilities as well.
The Redskins, Bears and Giants could use a boost in returns after Chicago lost Devin Hester and New York and Washington could use an upgrade in that area of special teams as well. The Patriots could utilize Sproles in their offense, as could the Seahawks, as they have a thin roster behind Marshawn Lynch at running back apart from Christine Michael and he is still very young.
Sproles is now 30 years old and he comes in with a $3.5 million salary next season and he has one year left on his deal. The Saints just snagged Jairus Byrd on a huge six year deal and they are trying to sign Jimmy Graham long term as well. The Bears could use another back behind Matt Forte and Michael Bush, while the Dolphins were one of the worst rushing teams in the league last season and Sproles could really open up their offense.
