EAGLES ADD SPEEDSTER SPROLES FROM SAINTS
The Philadelphia Eagles acquired running back / return man Darren Sproles from the New Orleans Saints for a fifth-round draft pick in 2014.
What does it give the Philadelphia Eagles
With Sproles aboard and wideouts {P Jeremy Maclin} and {P Riley Cooper} re-signed, the Eagles look set to really open up head coach Chip Kelly's high-octane pass attack in 2014. Sproles is one of the NFL's premier pass-catching tailbacks, and while at 30 he may be slowing down a bit he remains a very productive multi-purpose option. Look for Sproles to also help out in the return game for Philly.
What does it give the New Orleans Saints
The Saints recently re-signed lead tailback {P Pierre Thomas}, and with {P Mark Ingram} looking ready for a bigger role, Sproles became expendable. New Orleans mostly just saves money and playing-time headaches here, and they also get a draft pick rather than just releasing him. The much-younger {P Travaris Cadet} can probably step up to fill Sproles' role as a speedy pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Fantasy impact
In New Orleans, Cadet becomes a sleeper thanks to his ability to catch the ball and help out in the return game, while Thomas and Ingram should both see a small uptick in fantasy value with Sproles out of the picture (as might {P Khiry Robinson}). In Philadelphia the arrival of Sproles probably hurts the fantasy value of {P LeSean McCoy} a little, since McCoy will obviously be less of a factor in the pass game out of the Philly backfield. This deal also isn't great fantasy news for top backup {P Bryce Brown}. Sproles has managed at least 600 receiving yards in each of this past three seasons, so his addition likely also brings a slight fantasy downgrade for Maclin, Cooper, and {P DeSean Jackson} (while giving a small boost to QB {P Nick Foles}).
Player focus
New Orleans Saints
a fifth-round draft pick in 2014