Saints are cutting RB Darren Sproles

Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles (43) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Saints defeated the Eagles 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints are cutting running back Darren Sproles ahead of the free agency period according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.

The #Saints are cutting RB Darren Sproles, per source.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2014

In 2013, Sproles rushed 53 times for 220 yards and caught 71 passes for 604 yards. He had four total touchdowns. His release comes as a bit of a surprise, the Saints were reportedly considering trading Sproles just earlier this week according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

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

[UPDATE:] There is another report that Sproles has not been cut yet, they’re still trying to trade him. In the event that they can’t move him, then he will be traded.

Per source, Darren Sproles not cut yet. Could be traded. If not traded, will be cut.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 7, 2014