February 11, 2016
Julio Cortez/AP
Darren Sproles is only the Eagles' best playmaker, but let's get rid of him for nothing more than a savings of $3.5 million!
In a post for USA Today's "For the Win" blog, Darren Sproles appeared as one of 25 "big name" players who could get cut in the next 30 days, with the following explanation:
Darren Sproles, RB Eagles ($3.5 million)
Philadelphia needs to pay a quarterback and re-sign star defensive lineman Fletcher Cox. With DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews on the roster, the 32-year-old Sproles is a luxury the Eagles can’t afford.
Throughout this week, Sproles' name has been rumored to be among several Eagles whose futures with the team are in doubt. While it's not out of the question, personally, I don't see the logic.
There's an argument to be made that Sproles was the Eagles' best weapon in 2015 if you include his value on special teams. Whenever opposing teams have been dumb enough to punt to Sproles, he has made them pay. For the second straight year, Sproles had two punt return touchdowns.
The Eagles might have only won five games instead of seven last season without him. Against the Patriots, Sproles helped put the game out of reach with a punt return TD in a game that was decided by seven points. Ditto that against the Jets.
Sproles is a legitimate difference maker who often factors in heavily to the overall results of games with enormous plays. He may be 32 years old, but clearly he can still play. He'll count for $4,500,000 against the cap in 2016, with a savings of $3,500,000 if the Eagles cut or trade him. If the Eagles don't see themselves as Super Bowl contenders in 2016 and some team comes calling with a trade offer involving a draft pick, then sure, go ahead and build for the future.
But to cut him and get zilch in return? To save $3.5 million? That's crazy to me.
Follow Jimmy on Twitter: @JimmyKempski
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