NFL Free Agency Rumors: Eagles Linked to DeMarcus Ware and Darren Sproles

A few Eagles free agency rumors of note have popped up. Let's take a closer look.

OLB DeMarcus Ware

BGN wrote earlier about the Cowboys' decision to release Ware. It came down to the fact that Ware wasn't worth keeping for the Cowboys based on their dire need for more cap space. Dallas saved $16 million with his release. Ware's increased age and injury history is also a relevant factor.

That said, Ware, 31, still clearly belongs in the NFL. He's a future Hall of Fame talent. Ware played as a 4-3 defensive end in the Cowboys' new defense last year and was relatively productive. But where Ware excelled the most was in a role as a 3-4 outside linebacker. In 2012, Ware's most recent year as a 3-4 edge rusher, he racked up a total of 14 sacks. He also dropped into coverage around 7% of his snaps.

The 6-4, 260 lb edge rusher has been connected to the Eagles a few times now since his release earlier in the day. Along with the Caplan tweet listed above, Mike Garafalo of Fox Sports mentioned the Eagles as a possible destination for Ware in this video. Lastly, ESPN personality and former Eagles front office member Louis Riddick, who worked with Howie Roseman, said he expects the Eagles to be "working hard" to get Ware. None of these reports are exactly official, but together it sounds like this information isn't purely speculative.

It remains to be seen how Ware would fit into the defense give the presence of Cole and Barwin already in place. Perhaps the Eagles could use these players in a rotation, although I'm not sure if Ware would be willing to sign up for that.

Nevertheless, as I tweeted earlier today, seeing Ware in a Eagles jersey sacking Tony Romo next season would be too priceless.

RB Darren Sproles

It was reported last week that the Saints were going to release RB/KR Darren Sproles. Now it appears the Saints are going to trade him instead. (Fun note: Sproles wasn't aware of this report, apparently.) Ian Rapoport of NFL Network speculates that the Eagles could be a team interested in Sproles.

I'm not sure if the Eagles will have interest in giving up an asset for a 31-year old Sproles. The Eagles had interest in Sproles when he was a free agent a couple years ago, but times have changed. Sproles wouldn't offer much as a runner, which is fine because the Eagles already have a lot of depth there. But where Sproles could benefit the Eagles is a pass catcher out of the backfield and a kick returner.

Ultimately, I'm not really sure the Eagles will add either player to their roster. But of the two rumored possibilities, I have to admit the Ware idea is very intriguing and could make a lot of sense.