National Football League
Source: Saints, Sproles reach agreement
National Football League

Source: Saints, Sproles reach agreement

Published Jul. 28, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

The New Orleans Saints didn’t wait long to find a replacement for Reggie Bush.

A source told FOXSports.com that the Saints have reached agreement on a contract with free-agent running back Darren Sproles. The San Diego Union-Tribune and NFL Network both reported the terms as four years, with $6 million guaranteed.

Sproles, 28, doesn’t have the same physical size as Bush, who was traded Thursday to the Miami Dolphins for an undisclosed draft pick and safety Jonathan Amaya. But like Bush, the 5-foot-6, 190-pound Sproles does have outstanding pass-catching skills out of the backfield. Sproles also is a capable blocker on blitz pickups and can potentially assume return duties for the Saints as well.

After spending the past six seasons in San Diego, Sproles was also under strong demand from the Philadelphia Eagles. He caught a career-high 59 passes for 520 yards and two touchdowns in 2010. Sproles also averaged 5.3 yards on his 50 rushing attempts.

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Sproles also worked out extensively this offseason with Saints quarterback Drew Brees. The two were Chargers teammates in Sproles’ 2005 rookie season before Brees signed with the Saints in free agency the following season.

Sproles joins a talented Saints backfield that also includes starter Pierre Thomas and 2011 first-round draft choice Mark Ingram.
 

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