On Friday the Philadelphia Eagles announced that they have agreed to a one-year contract extension with veteran running back, Darren Sproles. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media Insider reported from a source that the added year is worth up to $4.5 million.
Philadelphia Eagles Sign Darren Sproles To Contract Extension
Sproles, 33, led the NFL in punt return yards with 446 and punt returns for a touchdown with two in 2015. The dynamic running back has led the NFL in all purpose yards with 16,207 and leads among all running backs in receiving yards, as well as receiving touchdowns since 2007.
The Eagles acquired Sproles in an offseason trade with the New Orleans Saints back in 2014. During the past two seasons with the Eagles, Sproles was named to the Pro Bowl as a return specialist. Over that two year stretch, Sproles returned 77 punts for 952 yards and four touchdowns.
Career
The two-time Pro Bowl was originally drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Kansas State. During his time at Kansas State, Sproles would set 23 school records, and finishing as their all-time leading rusher.
Sproles would spend his first six seasons in the NFL with the Chargers before signing a four-year, $14 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. The contract that Sproles signed also contained $6 million in guaranteed money. In three seasons with the Saints, Sproles would rush for 1,067 yards on 188 carries and five touchdowns. The veteran running back was also extremely dangerous coming out of the Saints backfield. With help from the future Hall of Fame quarterback, Drew Brees, Sproles hauled in 232 catches for 1,981 yards to go with 16 touchdown catches.
Last season in a crowded Eagles backfield, which included DeMarco Murray and Ryan Matthews, Sproles only rushed for 317 yards with three touchdowns on 83 carries. He also had 388 yards receiving on 55 receptions with just one score. Where Sproles shined the brightest last season was as a punt returner, racking up 446 yards on 38 returns for two touchdowns.
Main Photo
SEPTEMBER 15: Running back Darren Sproles #43 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 15, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
