Reporters huddled around Eagles head coach Doug Pederson following today’s full squad practice, and among the topics of conversation was the newly agreed upon one-year, $4.5 million contract extension of running back Darren Sproles.
"Anytime you can have a playmaker like Darren Sproles, and you can keep him locked up for a couple of years, it makes you feel good," Pederson said. "I’m just so happy for him and his family, and the work that Howie [Roseman] put in to make sure that this thing got done, I’m just so excited to have him here and I look forward to working with him through training camp and obviously during the season."
The first-year head coach spoke glowingly when asked what gives him the assurance that the aging running back will remain effective in 2017.
"Darren Sproles is a pro’s pro," Pederson said. "He knows how to take care of his body in the offseason. He’s a very intelligent running back, he’s been around this game a long time. Its guys like that that you don’t worry about. He does everything right, he does what you coach him to do. It’s the way he prepares and the way he attacks every day that gives you the confidence that he’s going to be around for a few more years."
On Thursday, offensive tackle Jason Peters mentioned that Pederson "respects veterans" while talking about the occasional rest that some vets will enjoy throughout training camp. Today, Pederson was asked about his philosophy on resting seasoned players.
"With veteran players, the longevity of the entire season, especially with offensive and defensive lineman, I think you’ve got to be smart with those guys," Pederson said. "I think you have to give them time to rest throughout training camp. Obviously the style of camp is going to be a little bit different than what they’re used to. I think with all of that and his recovery and how he takes care of himself when he’s off the football field, will really help him in his longevity during the season. I plan on giving these guys rest, not only in training camp, but during the season."
Howie Roseman also fielded questions following Friday’s practice and was asked whether the team could still find a way to keep Sam Bradford in 2017 given the commitments they’ve made for next year.
"No question," Roseman said. "We’re not in the business of losing good players, so that’s our job to figure out scenarios and figure out ways to do that, and we’ve gone through all of those scenarios. Obviously [the salary cap] is tighter than it’s been since I’ve been here, but we also felt like there was an opportunity now with where our players were that the longer we wait, the more players we probably have to lose. Time is never helpful in these things, so we went into it knowing that."
In 2017, Bradford’s salary cap number would be $23.5 million.
Patrick Del Gaone is a staff writer for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Del_Gaone.
