Philadelphia Eagles roundup: Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood
What role will Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood play in the Philadelphia Eagles future (if any)?
A little over one year ago, the thought of adding LeGarrette Blount to a backfield that already included Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood caused mouths to water in the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase. Not too long after, we all were reminded of how quickly things could change in the NFL.
In a 2017 season full of unpredictable moments, one came early. On what appeared to be a routine sweep play in Week 3, Sproles broke his arm and tore his ACL in the same play. That would end his season, but it would also set in motion a few events, most notably the return of Kenjon Barner and a trade that would bring Jay Ajayi to Philadelphia. The latter probably wouldn’t have happened had Sproles been healthy.
We haven’t mentioned Smallwood’s contribution much, but that’s honestly because there isn’t much to mention. His rookie season ended prematurely thanks to an injury. In his second season, fans saw a whole lot less of him. He was often a healthy scratch as he only appeared in eight games (three starts). There’s been no real word as to whether or not he had found his way into the coaches’ dog house.
He finished with 174 yards on 47 attempts, 103 yards on 13 receptions and added another touchdown to his resume.
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Is there a future in Philly for Smallwood or Sproles?
Whether or not the Eagles return Smallwood or Sproles has been left open for debate, and the answer changes depending on who you ask. Here’s where we are (we think).
Sproles doesn’t want to end a stellar NFL career with an injury. There’s been mutual interest by both him and the Eagles for a return in 2018, but despite Jeff Kerr of 247Sports.com claiming that re-signing Sproles is a ‘no-brainer’, interest is all it is at this point.
In the case of Smallwood, though it isn’t impossible, it seems unlikely that Philly would let him go. Then again, that may not be the case.
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He’s entering the third year of his rookie deal. The Eagles have Donnel Pumphrey waiting in the wings, and with the emergence of what was one of the biggest surprises of the 2018 season, Corey Clement, Smallwood may, all of a sudden, be expendable.
He only represents $122, 290 in dead cap space if the Eagles do, indeed, move on.