Chip Kelly and the San Francisco 49ers could be interested in acquiring Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles.
Sproles has stayed away from the Eagles workouts as trade rumors have swirled during the offseason. Sproles played for Kelly in Philadelphia during the 2015 season and the Eagles have jettisoned more than a few Kelly-acquired players after Kelly was fired. Kelly denied - sort of -
any interest in Sproles.
"I've had nobody call me from Philadelphia since December," Kelly told reporters Tuesday.
However, a report surfaced that while Kelly's "nobody call me" statement might be true, the San Francisco 49ers did reach out to the Eagles regarding Sproles, according to a report.
"I know the San Francisco 49ers did reach out," NFL reporter Ben Allbright said on 94WIP radio station in Philadelphia. "I know Chip Kelly said that he hasn't talked to anybody...he's not the one making phone calls over there these days anyway."
Sproles, 32, is one of the most versatile players in the league and would help the 49ers.
Sproles rushed for 328 yards and three touchdowns, caught 55 passes for 388 yards and one touchdown, and he returned two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns in 2015.
The 49ers could use a mutli-talented player like Sproles, but would Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman be willing to assist his former nemesis (Kelly) rebuild his team? Based on the emnity that existed between the Kelly and Roseman in Philadelphia in 2015, a trade seems unlikely.