There was a point this offseason when people wondered if the Eagles might trade running back Darren Sproles as he stayed away from the team’s offseason work, but coach Doug Pederson said during the team’s minicamp that Sproles’ “role will be extensive” this season.
It might be extensive next season as well because Sproles isn’t going to be a free agent come March. The Eagles announced on Friday morning that they have signed Sproles to a contract extension that runs through the 2017 season. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports Sproles will make $4.5 million in 2017.
“Being one of the oldest guys, to know you’re going to be here a little bit longer, that’s a good feeling,” Sproles said, via the team.
Sproles leads all NFL players in all-purpose yards since 2007 and has continued to be a jack of all trades since coming to the Eagles in a 2014 trade. Pederson’s words suggest he’ll be a runner, receiver and returner again this year as the Eagles move forward with a backfield that also includes Ryan Mathews and Wendell Smallwood.