Saints Release RB Darren Sproles

Update:

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that the Saints haven’t officially released RB Darren Sproles as of Sunday, but he doesn’t expect Sproles to be with the team as of Monday.

• La Canfora adds that there is still a “slight chance” of the Saints finding a trade partner for Sproles.
• However, La Canfora concedes that, “with his release impending, very hard to get much” in return for him.
• Sproles’ representatives were reportedly notified that last week that he will either be pending trade or release last week …

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Thank you New Orleans for your support over the past 3 years! I will always be forever grateful. #WhoDat

— Darren Sproles (@DarrenSproles) March 8, 2014

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Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that the New Orleans Saints are releasing veteran RB Darren Sproles.

• Pro Football Talk reports that Sproles has not been released, and the team is currently pursuing trades for Sproles.
  • If Sproles can’t be traded, then he will be released, according to Pro Football Talk.
  • Mike Garafolo adds that the Saints are “holding out for value” in regards to a Sproles-trade.
• Rapoport adds that RB Pierre Thomas remains in danger of being released as well.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Saints were considering trading WR Lance Moore, Thomas and Sproles, but that was before Moore and Sproles were cut loose.

As things stand right now, the Saints are projected to have about $2.5 million in available cap space, so releasing Sproles is a tough decision that the team will need to consider.

Sproles, 30, had one year remaining on his four-year, $14 million contract and was set to make a base salary of $3.4 million for the upcoming season. The Saints will free up $3.5 in available cap space following this move.

Last year, Sproles ran for 220 yards on 53 carries (4.2 YPC) while also contributing another 604 receiving yards on 71 receptions. He added four total touchdowns as well.