The Patriots cut defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga on Wednesday, but the trade that brought him to New England wound up having a direct impact on Thursday’s trade between the Saints and Eagles.
PFT has learned, via a league source, that the Eagles will send a fifth-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for running back Darren Sproles. The team had two fifth-round picks in this year’s draft after acquiring one in exchange for Sopoaga last October. It’s not clear whether their original pick or New England’s will be heading to the Saints.
It’s not a huge price to pay for the Eagles if Sproles gives them the same kind of production we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from him in New Orleans. Given Chip Kelly’s history of getting the most out of his offensive players, it may wind up being a bargain.
Post-trade, the Eagles now have picks in each of the first five rounds and a seventh-rounder. The Saints now have one pick in each of the first four rounds and the sixth round to go with two fifth-round selections.