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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) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 25: Darren Sproles #43 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his 73-yard touchdown in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 25: Darren Sproles #43 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his 73-yard touchdown in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

The Pros

1. Sproles offers veteran leadership to the locker room

Locker room culture is everything in Philly. Howie Roseman and Doug Pederson created an organization with high morale, and everybody inside the house seems to get along great. Former Redskins linebacker Zach Brown was shocked to find such a stable locker room filled with guys who are genuinely close and get along when he came to Philly.

The Eagles are a mature bunch, and they can thank their veteran leaders for that. Sproles happens to be one of those veterans who’s just the ultimate mentor and leader. Though he may not be a captain, everybody within the Nova Care Complex knows that when Sproles is talking, you listen. And if a player needs advice, Sproles is there to teach. You can never have too many guys like that within a locker room. Sproles is just another to add to the bunch in 2019.

2. Eagles have a return man with experience

Darren Sproles has been the Eagles’ punt returner for years. Last season, they were fortunate enough to have wide receiver DeAndre Carter do a stable job in Sproles’ absence. Once Sproles returned though, the Eagles didn’t think twice about replacing Carter there. In fact, they weren’t even hesitant about waiving him by the time Sproles was ready to return.

If we’re being honest, Sproles hasn’t been the same returner over the last couple of years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s washed up on special teams. He may no longer be a threat to take one to the house, but at least he offers stability in the return game. Now, the Eagles don’t have to worry about holding another return man competition this offseason.

3. Sproles is good in pass protection

Carson Wentz needs all the protection he can get this year in order to stay healthy. Last season, his running backs weren’t too sharp in keeping him protected. Sproles was easily the best pass protector in the backfield last year, but he was hardly available for when Wentz was in. Fortunately, the Eagles not only have Jordan Howard this year to play that role, but they have Sproles back as well.

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