Houston Texans should sign Darren Sproles if released
Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles (43) carries the ball as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Cedric Thornton (72) makes the tackle in the second quarter during the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
This could be a long shot, but if Darren Sproles is released by the New Orleans Saints, the Houston Texans should pursue him quickly as he would be a great fit with their struggling offense.
With Ben Tate more than gone as he’s looking for money of a No. 1 running back, the Texans need to find a suitable replacement for Tate in the reserve role to Arian Foster, but sign a back that is capable of carrying a team if something were to happen to Foster like last season where he missed half the season with a back injury.
Though my first choice would be re-signing Tate, my next best choice is to gain the services of Sproles, who would be a difference maker in the offense with not just the way he runs the football, but the way he can catch the ball and make plays as well.
In 2013, Sproles rushed the ball 52 times for 220 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry, and for his 10-year career, he has just 437 carries.
Last season in 15 games played, he also had 71 receptions for 604 yards (8.5 ypc) and two TDs. He was targeted 89 times in those 71 receptions.
What I like about Sproles is his ability to make a big play, and he brings a spark to an offense, and last season the Texans lacked that spark as their offense was predictable and sometimes just bland and boring.
In his three years with the Saints, Sproles has three consecutive seasons of 70 or more receptions, with 86 receptions in ’11 and 75 in ’12. The past two seasons, he caught for 1,271 yards and nine TDs with Drew Brees as his QB.
Again, if Sproles is released, why shouldn’t the Texans take a very close look at Sproles and make him a offer to join the effort of climbing back to the top of the AFC South?
It would only make the team much improved, and it would give a chance to maybe get more snaps under his belt, as I’m assuming the Texans will protect Foster more this season and cut down his workload.
It could be a win-win situation for Sproles and the Texans … now we just wait and see if the pieces fall into place.
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