Stay or Go: 7 Key Free Agents the Eagles need to make a decision on
Darren Sproles, RB
The Eagles really missed veteran running back Darren Sproles this season. Not only was he a key factor in the backfield at times. But he was one of the most dangerous punt returners in all of the NFL. When Sproles went down with a torn ACL and broken forearm, the Eagles were forced to go out and get Kenjon Barner back on the team.
Assuming that Barner was nothing but a band-aid for the return team in 2017, Sproles may have a chance to come back to the Eagles. After he already confirmed that he refuses to end his career with a knee injury that happened so early on, everyone is assuming that he will be back in midnight green.
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But no so fast, Eagles fans. Sure, we all love the 34-year-old triple-threat. But it may not be the best business decision for the Eagles to bring him back. There are some key positions the Eagles have to take care of this season and running back does not seem like much of a priority. With Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood, and even Donnel Pumphrey on for next season, Sproles may not be in the budget for a final season in Philadelphia.
Aside from returning punts, Sproles’ presence in the backfield was covered up nicely by the undrafted rookie, Clement. And assuming the Eagles want to move forward with a young Pumphrey, their main goal is to turn him into the player that Sproles was before his injury. So unless Sproles is coming with a very cheap price tag, the Eagles will probably let him walk.