Would the Broncos Have Interest in RB Darren Sproles?

Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles (43) runs the football against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos have money to work with, and they are going to be connected to a lot of big names in free agency. One big name who is expected to be released, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, is Saints running back Darren Sproles.

Cutting Sproles is going to save the Saints just shy of $4 million, and when he is let go, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Broncos express some interest.

Sproles showed some signs of decline this past season, but if he’s healthy, I think he’s a solid option as a receiver out of the backfield, a change of pace back, and a punt returner. The Broncos might not entertain the idea simply because Ronnie Hillman already fills the role of ‘change of pace back’ but Sproles is a veteran who has been there, done that.

I hated Sproles when he was on the Chargers, and couldn’t have been more relieved when he wound up signing with the New Orleans Saints. He was a Bronco killer for a long time.

He is going to be 31  this year, and like I mentioned has shown signs of decline. He’s probably going to want to sign with a contender on a short-term deal and the Broncos could be one team that comes calling, if for no other reason than to have a veteran presence in the backfield as well as a punt returner who is capable.