Eagles trade for Saints’ Darren Sproles, sign cornerback

It wasn’t through free agency, but a trade that the Eagles made a splash Thursday morning. Credit: Getty Images

The Chip Kelly offense just got more exciting.

Thursday morning, an NFL source reported that the Eagles had traded a fifth round pick to the Saints for speedy running back Darren Sproles.

The pick is one they received from the Patriots in exchange for Isaac Sopoaga.

The 30-year-old is small, just 5-foot-6 and 190 pounds, but Sproles, who is due $3.4 million on the last year of his contract, is a durable and explosive force. He can return (and likely will return)kickoffs and punts, and could be a productive third down back.

“Darren Sproles is an unbelievable offensive weapon,” Kellysaid in a statement. “He can do it all, run, catch, plus he’s a proven winner. And on top of that, he can bring all of those dynamic skills to the return game as well. There is no question we were all excited once we found out we were going to be able to trade for him.”

The Eagles now have four running backs under contract, with starter LeSean McCoy,Bryce Brown and Chris Polk.

One option is for the Eagles to carry less wide receivers. Another is to release one of their existing running backs.

The Eagles are expected to make the trade official Thursday afternoon.

Eagles sign cornerback Carroll

The Eagles also addressed a defensive need Thursday, nabbing former Dolphins cornerback Nolan Carroll, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

With Darrell Revis off the market, Carroll is one of the best options left at corner. He was in a very small group of defenders last season with both two sacks and two interceptions (he actually had three picks).

Mike Garafolosays thatCarroll receives a two-year deal worth $5.2 million and includes more in incentives.