Inside the Iggles
FanSided

Philadelphia Eagles: Pros and Cons of bringing Darren Sproles back

By Justin Grasso

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 14: Darren Sproles #43 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on September 14, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 14: Darren Sproles #43 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on September 14, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Darren Sproles #43 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the NFC Divisional Playoff against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Darren Sproles #43 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the NFC Divisional Playoff against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia Eagles were not ready to close the book on Darren Sproles. While the signing has upside, there are also some concerns as well.

Nowadays, NFL running backs have short life spans in the league. It’s rare when a running back past their early 30s finds themselves on a final roster. Even running backs who are still in their 20s tend to struggle with finding new teams — especially if they are coming off of a major injury. But if you’re Darren Sproles, you will continue to get chances until you decide when it is time to retire.

For the last few years now, Sproles has teased retirement. Heading into the 2017 season, Sproles was ready to ride off into the sunset. Just a season before, Sproles grinned when asked if he was on his final contract ever, which ran through 2017. Unfortunately, by week three of Sproles’ supposed last year, he went down with a torn ACL and a broken arm.

Sproles would spend the rest of the season rehabbing on the west coast as the Eagles made a run for the Super Bowl. Sproles would receive his ring months after the Eagles took down the defending champions, the New England Patriots — but to Sproles, the ring was pretty much a participation trophy for his efforts during the first two weeks.

He wasn’t ready to call it quits. Therefore, the Eagles gave the veteran a second chance to come back and contribute to another big year. Once again, things didn’t go as planned. After week one in 2018, Sproles got hurt. He wouldn’t return until later on in the season, finishing with only six regular-season games played in that year.

This offseason, Sproles was in a similar situation as the last. He wanted to retire but didn’t feel satisfied with how his season finished off. So once again, Sproles made it clear he was ready to come back if a team would come calling, and the Philadelphia Eagles were the ones to reach out. Now, Sproles is back in Philly on a one-year deal. While the acquisition could be useful, there are also some cons to the deal. Let’s go over the good and the bad regarding Sproles’ return.

Home/Eagles News