Philadelphia acquired Darren Sproles for a fifth-round pick…
Philadelphia acquired Darren Sproles for a fifth-round pick and received six seasons of multidimensional value. Sproles became an elite punt returner for the Eagles, contributed as a runner and receiver, and earned three Pro Bowl selections during his Philadelphia tenure. New Orleans used pick No. 169 on linebacker Ronald Powell, whose Saints career lasted only one season. The return gap makes this a clear Eagles win.
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2014 5th round pick (169th overall, Ronald Powell )
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Darren Sproles
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
New Orleans was clearing salary and reshaping its roster after the 2013 season, making Darren Sproles available despite his established role as a runner, receiver and returner. Philadelphia saw an ideal fit for Chip Kelly’s space-oriented offense and sent a fifth-round pick to acquire him. The cost was modest for a veteran with a specialized but proven skill set.
What Each Side Actually Got
The Eagles received far more than a one-year rental. Sproles remained in Philadelphia through the 2019 season, providing explosive punt returns, receiving value out of the backfield and change-of-pace rushing. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three Eagles seasons and became one of the league’s most dangerous return specialists. New Orleans used pick No. 169 on linebacker Ronald Powell. Powell appeared as a rookie but did not become a lasting contributor for the Saints.
How the Value Aged
Sproles’ longevity transformed a cheap veteran acquisition into a major win. Philadelphia obtained six seasons from a player who contributed in three phases and retained value across multiple coaching changes. The Saints’ attempt to convert an older player into younger, less expensive talent did not work because the resulting selection failed to develop.
Why the Margin Matters
The price was only a fifth-round pick, so Philadelphia did not need Sproles to become a star to justify the deal. Instead, he delivered Pro Bowl return production and years of useful offensive snaps. New Orleans received very little to offset that return.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia Eagles Win. Philadelphia earns an A for acquiring a six-year contributor and three-time Eagles Pro Bowler at a fifth-round cost. New Orleans receives a D because the pick used on Ronald Powell did not produce meaningful long-term value.