Eagles Sign Darren Sproles to Two-Year Contract Extension

According to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, the Eagles have signed newly acquired running back Darren Sproles to a two-year contract extension. His new deal will run through 2016. Sproles was previously slated to make $3.5 in 2014 alone.

The extension makes sense. Previously, Sproles was scheduled to be a free agent after the 2014 season. It wouldn't have been wise for the Eagles to give up a draft pick for one year rental of Sproles. This is a similar kind of deal that took place last year when the Eagles acquired Arrelious Benn in a trade. Benn was in the last year of his deal and the Eagles protected their interest by extending him two more years. The decision paid off as Benn missed the entire 2013 season due to injury. The Eagles are giving themselves the same kind of protection here by extending Sproles.

On Sproles' end, it shows that he's genuinely happily to be in Philly. Sproles (and his wife) weren't too thrilled when they heard New Orleans wanted to trade and/or release him. It appears Sproles has accepted his new home in Philly.

The only potential concern with this extension is that Sproles will be 33 at the end of his deal. It remains to be seen if he will be effective at that point in his career.

The Eagles acquired Sproles in a trade on Thursday when they sent a fifth round draft pick to the New Orleans Saints in return. Sproles adds a new dimension to the Eagles offense, and Chip Kelly is very happy about that.

[Note by Brandon Lee Gowton, 03/14/14 3:48 PM EDT] - PFT reports that the new deal is worth up to $10.5 million over 3 years. For context purposes, that's the same exact contract that the Jaguars gave to former Vikings RB Toby Gerhart. No word on how much guaranteed money for Sproles.