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Darren Sproles is a free agent the Eagles will likely at least think about bringing in

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images))

Chip Kelly loves players that give him options on offense, and one of the biggest swiss army knives in the league just became available.

The New Orleans Saints are reportedly set to release running back Darren Sproles, one day before free agency is set to begin in the NFL.

Although he is now 30 years old and 10 years into his NFL career, Sproles has not shown many signs of slowing down. The running back finished last season averaging 4.1 yards per carry, and hauled in 71 passes for over 600 yards and two touchdowns.

Now that he is available, will the Eagles come calling?

Here is why Sproles would and wouldn't be a good fit for the Eagles:

Why He Would: As mentioned above, Kelly loves players who he can move around the field, or do different things with from the same spot. Sproles is still dangerous as a runner and out of the backfield, something that cannot be said for the Eagles current back up running backs, Bryce Brown and Chris Polk.

Although Brown is in someways a home run threat, and Polk has shown signs of being a nice power runner, neither are the player Sproles is -- even at 30.

Sproles is also a player that is most dangerous in space. Kelly did a nice job last year of getting DeSean Jackson out into space, but the wideout surprisingly did very little with it, as most of his big plays last season came on deep passes. Sproles' skill set is a dream fit for Kelly's strengths as a play designer.

Why He Wouldn't: Sproles is a dangerous player, but he does not present a great change of pace option from LeSean McCoy. Both are smaller, quick running backs. So while Polk or Brown might not be the home run threat that Sproles is, they at least give the defense another look.

There is also the question of how much Sproles would actually be able to touch the ball. With DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, LeSean McCoy, Brent Celek and Zach Ertz all firmly ahead of him on the depth chart, spending money on Sproles might not be the Eagles best use of their resources.

Throw in the fact that Sproles was not that effective as a return man last season (zero touchdowns in 41 kick and punt returns) and the Eagles are better off grooming a younger running back from the drat than they are bringing in Sproles.

Final Verdict: While the idea is tempting, the Eagles will likely not make a move to sign Sproles.

Follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks