Offseason Target: Darren Sproles?

by Romskiii on Jan 7, 2009 2:25 PM PST

Howdy Niners Nation, long-time reader, first-time poster here...

SD's Darren Sproles is a free-agent this offseason. He's a legitimate game changer running the ball, catching the ball, and returning punts and kicks. I think he'd be a great complementary back to Gore - and he would fill a need on Special Teams since Rossum's status is up in the air.

And as we all have seen, having a two-back system is almost essential for having success these days. I like Foster and Robinson, but we need someone who can break off big plays.

You guys think Sproles would be a good fit and someone to target in free-agency? I'm pretty sure NYG's Derrick Ward is a free-agent as well and maybe he'd be another name to keep in mind...

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

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don’t you know that Deshaun Foster is going to be our featured back next year?

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 7, 2009 2:56 PM PST reply actions

although i agree with getting him

i dont think he’d want to come to another place to be a backup

by Dub4lif3 on Jan 7, 2009 3:08 PM PST reply actions

As methodrampage and I were discussing here, there aren’t going to be a bunch of teams offering him big money to be a starter. But I think he might find one team with wacky management (Cincy maybe?) who might throw a bunch of money at him. Barring that, I bet he’d rather stay the 1b guy to Tomlinson, than go somewhere else to be the 1b guy to Gore or another back — assuming the money was about the same. But that doesn’t mean we can’t dream.

Haven't been to The Examined Life? No wonder your life feels so empty.
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by Josh from Hollywood on Jan 7, 2009 5:56 PM PST up reply actions

So much for that big check he was supposed to cash after the IND game.

I do realize that he had 91 yards recieving, with a TD, on 5 catches but the 15 yards on 11 carries is a little discouraging.

by methodrampage on Jan 12, 2009 7:31 AM PST up reply actions

running back is the last thing this team should be concerned about

I’d much rather give Clayton a shot at backup than spend mega bucks on Sproles to have him sit the bench. Besides, the Bolts will probably sign him since LT is pretty much done with.

And when did it become essential to have a 2-back system to have success? Off the top of my head, I can think of a few teams that have done quite well with one main back (Indy, PItt, Philly). I think the new fad of tandem backs is a result of either many teams just not having a GREAT back like Gore (Giants, Ravens, Pats), or they have a very young RB that they are trying to phase in and not put too much mileage on (Dallas, Tennessee). Once Chris Johnson, Sproles, and Felix Jones get a year or two of more experience, I expect things to revert back to one-back systems for most teams.

STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.

by UnleashTheGore on Jan 7, 2009 3:36 PM PST reply actions

While I agree that its not worth it to spend the mega bucks it would take to land Sproles I dont think its reasonable to expect Gore to shoulder the load all season as the only back in a run-heavy system. Also I know Clayton is something of a fan fave, especially around NN, but if he hasnt shown enough to land on an active roster I dont see why we should trust him to play an important role on next years squad just yet. I wouldnt be against bringing Foster back again or drafting a back in the mid rounds and giving Clayton a try as the 3rd back, but I wouldnt be comfortable with him as Gore’s main backup.

by sam23 on Jan 7, 2009 9:12 PM PST up reply actions

Insurance

Teams are going to a two back system because they want to spread the touches around in order to keep guys heathly. With that said Gore needs a back-up, maybe Clayton could be it but I doubt it. There’s enough depth in talent at RB, across the leauge, that teams have figured out that it’s better to keep you best back fresh by having him give up some touches.

Once Chris Johnson, Sproles, and Felix Jones get a year or two of more experience, I expect things to revert back to one-back systems for most teams.

I doubt any of these guys become full-time feature backs in a one-back system.

by methodrampage on Jan 8, 2009 11:49 AM PST up reply actions

+1

by sam23 on Jan 9, 2009 1:53 AM PST up reply actions

Welcome to the site

I certainly like a Darren Sproles-type player, but I think the market could get a little ridiculous for him this offseason. He made a big splash and while I think he can back it up, I don’t think it’s a bidding war I’d want to get in on.

Sadly I find myself still in the Thomas Clayton bandwagon, in spite of him never getting a shot. It’s like they say about the backup QB: Always the most popular guy until he ends up in the game screwing the pooch. I am intrigued by Derrick Ward, but like Sproles I see him getting paid a bit too much.

by David Fucillo on Jan 7, 2009 3:49 PM PST reply actions

I agree

Unless he signs a contract that adds up to the sum of Foster/Rossum (which I’m sure Sproles will make much more) I would look at other area’s.

I would use a 2nd day draft pick on a RB and see how he compares to Foster/Clayton/Robinson.

by abasketballfan on Jan 7, 2009 5:11 PM PST reply actions

I’d go a little more than the sum of Foster/Rossum since he’s better than each at their respective position, but he’ll likely get far more than that.

by sam23 on Jan 7, 2009 9:14 PM PST up reply actions

I wouldn’t mind this one bit. Honestly, we would be able to give gore 20 carries and sproles 10, plus those screens he breaks off of. I would be thrilled, and saying all the cap we will have, it would be a great move.

According to the comminsioner of the nfl, 104 people retired last year. 7 due to age, and the rest because of Patrick Willis

by montasmob69 on Jan 7, 2009 6:02 PM PST reply actions

sure let's get another undersized rb...

so all our goal line offense will have to be pass!!!

that's gold jerry, gold!!!

by 9Custs on Jan 10, 2009 1:04 PM PST reply actions

Agree with this. Need a big power back more than we need a quick guy. Do think we should get another competent back, probably from the middle rounds of the draft, if only to keep Gore healthy.

by J. Frank Parnell on Jan 11, 2009 10:46 AM PST up reply actions