Darren Sproles: Pursue or No?

by John B on Mar 2, 2010 9:00 AM EST

The Jets may pursue a running back on the market to replace Thomas Jones. I don't think Darren Sproles would be that guy. He would replace Leon Washington if the Jets let him walk. The two are very similar players, small, dynamic in the return game, excellent pass catchers, and dangerous in space.

Sproles has a 4.5 career average as a rusher. He put up career highs of 45 receptions and 497 receiving yards in 2009. He's a good player. Could he carry the load as the top back on a team? I think he'd have a better shot than his doubters would contend. At the very least, he's an excellent change of pace back and a real homerun threat.

Why would the Jets pursue him? Maybe to get an extra pick in this year's deep Draft. Leon Washington is a restricted free agent. The Jets will get an early pick if he leaves. The Jets could add a young player and keep the same threat out of the backfield by signing Sproles. They also would lose a slot to sign an unrestricted free agent. That's what he is because San Diego inexplicably refused to tender him.

I think this would be a risky move for the Jets, too risky. Leon Washington adds an extra dimension to the offense. There's no guarantee they could sign Sproles. The Kansas State product would be in demand. There's no way the Jets could be sure they could land him. That should be enough to veer away from this strategy.

I vote do not pursue.

How do you vote?

Poll

Should the Jets try to sign Darren Sproles to replace Leon Washington?

Yes

84 votes

No

267 votes

351 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

In the end I think Sproles is a slightly lesser man's Leon Washington

Not to mention guys like Sproles are a dime a dozen coming out of the draft these days it seems. I don’t think Leon’s done as a lot of people seem to think, and I think the best thing to do would be to bring him back. But if we let him go for that 2nd rounder (and I really doubt anyone’s gonna give up that high of a pick on a question mark), I think we’d be better off using that pick on a CB or DE and getting a replacement scatback in the late rounds or free agency.

by Exystence on Mar 2, 2010 9:14 AM EST reply actions

If a 2nd rounder is offered for Leon, take it and then make a run at Sproles. Otherwise no need to entertain Sproles.

Getting a 2nd rounder for Leon is unlikely even if he was 100% healthy in this draft. But being he won’t be ready until the start of the season, teams won’t be able to assess him in time.

by Crackback on Mar 2, 2010 10:13 AM EST reply actions

If Leon is healthy, anything Sproles can do, he does better

And if he isn’t healthy, (and even if he is since TJ is gone), draft somebody who can run better than Sproles.

by Rabbit T on Mar 2, 2010 12:20 PM EST reply actions

See, this homer attitude cracks me up

in what way is Leon so superior to Sproles? They are both great receiving backs, both dynamic returners. If we could swap Leon for Sproles and pick up a 2nd, it is a no brainer. If Leon is here, no need for Sproles.

"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS

by nrmax88 on Mar 2, 2010 5:47 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think Sproles is that good

And that’s not due to homer bias. Sproles is good as a backfield receiver and a returner, but not as a runner.

by Rabbit T on Mar 3, 2010 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

darren sproles pursue or no

i would love to have darren sproles on the jets but why get rid of leon washington to get him why not have both of them as well as shonn greene. Think about it three homerun hitters coming out of the back field who the hell do you prepare for. Dont forget about Brad smith That a whole lot of chaos for defenses to defend. Our return game is going to be ridicules who do you kick 2 leon or sproles pick your poison.

by #1 jets fan on Mar 2, 2010 2:12 PM EST reply actions

Because Sproles and Leon

are the same player and having them both would be redundant.

"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS

by nrmax88 on Mar 2, 2010 5:47 PM EST up reply actions

Doesn't make sense to me.

We release TJ and have a little depth in a Sproles-like position. Sproles is an above-average player but he’d have to learn a new system after a career in San Diego.

And he doesn’t seem like a “Rex” type of player. But I’d have to agree with crackback….if the situation makes sense we should take a look.

by oldskooljet on Mar 2, 2010 4:59 PM EST reply actions

Meh

I think he’ll wind up being one of the more expensive backs this year. Might as well look into a larger guy to replace TJ and add to the rotation.

by Bro Namath on Mar 2, 2010 10:12 PM EST reply actions

I agree,

the only way I look into Sproles is if Leon is elsewhere. A second for Leon and then adding Sproles does sound pretty nice though. If Leon is better, the difference is negligible. Like Leon, Sproles is pure electricity.

"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS

by nrmax88 on Mar 3, 2010 1:20 AM EST up reply actions