Should the New York Jets Look Into Darren Sproles?

Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back

(43) runs the football against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

With the new league year about to begin, and with that, free agency, followed by the NFL draft, the new year of rumors are in full swing. Adam Schefter had an interesting piece of news via Twitter yesterday. Take a look:

Saints shopping RB Pierre Thomas and WR Lance Moore to other teams, per sources, and even could be open to trading RB Darren Sproles also.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2014

The most intriguing of those names is Darren Sproles. So, let’s talk. Should the Jets inquire about trading for the multi-purpose running back? Here are his stats so far:

Rushing & Receiving

And those are just his offensive stats, here are his stats in the kick return game:

Kick & Punt Returns

Darren Sproles is undeniably a versatile player, which will always be important to Rex Ryan. It’s no blip on the radar screen for Marty Mornhinweg either.

As a receiver, Darren is as reliable as they come. Last season, he didn’t drop a single pass out of 71 catchable passes thrown his way. I’m no mathemetician, but a 0.0% drop percentage is pretty darn good.

So, we are talking about a guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield, as well as run the ball solidly (over five yards per carry).  Just that information by itself is a guy who would be a great fit in the West Coast offense.  Roger Craig is a guy that comes to mind.  Now, Roger did a lot more in both the passing game and the running game than Darren, but the idea is the same.

Then, you add in the fact that he can return kicks and punts, and this player becomes that much more valuable.

The biggest worry about Darren Sproles would be his size.  He is a great change of pace, especially with all of that versatility.  But, standing in at only 5’6″, it’s hard to see him able to take the reins as a lead back if necessary, which would still leave the Jets a bit short if Bilal Powell and/or Chris Ivory were to sustain an extended injury.

But, the talent of Darren Sproles is undeniable.  If he is, in fact, available, John Idzik would be doing the Jets a disservice if he didn’t explore the idea.  What do you think?