Instant Analysis: Darren Sproles agrees with Saints

The Saints moved fast in their efforts to replace the jettisoned Reggie Bush by signing former Charger running back Darren Sproles to a four year deal worth $6 million guaranteed. Sproles brings an added dynamic to an already explosive offense and does nothing but bolster the potent Saints offensive attack. His signing creates a ripple effect with player values, so we spin it in the latest version of “Instant Analysis.”

Darren Sproles, RB NO
If there’s one thing Sean Payton can do, it’s assemble a ton of offensive talent. If there’s another thing Sean Payton can do, it’s make that talent mesh together effectively.

He has his work cut out for him this time.

Sproles is joining Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory in an already crowded backfield.  The great thing about him is he knows his role and excels with it. He’s very comfortable being a change of pace back who can do a little bit of everything for a team. He’ll no doubt have his chances to do that in New Orleans and won’t complain about his role one bit.

Make no mistake, Sproles was not signed on for depth purposes. He’s going to see the field and be used as a bit of a swiss army knife for the Saints. Think of him as a Reggie Bush type player, without the injuries or history. He could push for 75-100 touches.

Sproles can be rostered in deep leagues, but he’s not going to deliver any type of consistency. He’s really one of those rare players who is better in reality than fantasy.

Mark Ingram, RB NO
Sproles has never had more than 140 total touches in any given season, so he really isn’t much of a threat to Ingram. Even without the Sproles signing, Ingram was never expected to take every carry from the position with Pierre Thomas in the mix. His value really doesn’t change much at all. Sproles will be used in certain packages to give him a rest or to help on third and long.  The talented Ingram still has the potential to become a RB1 at some point.

Pierre Thomas, RB NO
Thomas was feeling good after Bush was let go. That feeling lasted about 12 hours.

Darren Sproles is an immediate threat to his playing time. It’s hard to see Thomas having even RB3 or RB4 value at this point. Sproles is simply a better third down back than Thomas and it may take an injury for him to become significant again.

With the drafting of Ingram and signing of Sproles, it begs a serious question.  Why did they give Thomas a contract extension this offseason?

Chris Ivory, RB NO
Ivory may just be destined to be the best fourth running back in the league.  His dynasty value is now hanging by a thread.

Drew Brees, QB NO
Ho hum.  Just another player to throw to.

Ryan Mathews, RB SD
Mike Tolbert is still a serious threat to Mathews’ production in San Diego. Having Sproles out of the way can’t hurt, though. Mathews should get a slight bump in value.

Steven Jackson, RB STL
At some point the Rams have to get him some help. They were rumored to be in the mix for Bush and Sproles. Could Ronnie Brown or Willis McGahee be on the way?