Pederson: Sproles isn't being traded, will be here for mandatory work

DARREN SPROLES and Fletcher Cox were the only healthy Eagles who weren't present for Tuesday's first full-squad optional workout under new coach Doug Pederson.

Cox is sitting while agent Todd France negotiates with Howie Roseman on a long-term contract to replace the $7.799 million option year from Cox's rookie deal.

Sproles' absence all offseason has drawn less scrutiny. The Eagles said earlier that Sproles was not attending for "personal reasons," and there was a report that Sproles, a versatile running back who turns 33 in June, wanted to coach his son's track team this spring in California. Tuesday morning, though, the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Sproles is sitting out because he thinks he might be traded - a notion Pederson dismissed when Pederson spoke with reporters after the rain-soaked workout.

"He and I are in direct communication. We've been talking all offseason," Pederson said. "I have no issues with Darren. I fully expect him to be here for the mandatory camp. Again, this is a voluntary program."

Rapoport said the Eagles fielded trade offers during the draft for Sproles, who is entering the final season of his three-year, $10.5 million contract. He will make $3.5 million this season, with a $4.5 million cap number that goes down to $1 million if he is traded or released.

The Eagles don't have any critical cap-room issues, and Sproles is their most accomplished weapon. His pass-catching ability would seem to make him ideal for a West Coast system, which is what Pederson runs.

"We had no decisions to (attempt to trade Sproles) whatsoever," Pederson said. "I want Darren Sproles on this football team . . . He's a big part of this football team, and that's where we're at."

Pederson said Sproles has not asked to be traded. The Daily News has attempted to contact both Sproles and agent Jimmy Sexton, but they did not respond.

"I think where he is in his career, I've been there before, too, where sometimes you just want that break. With him and his family being apart during the season, this is a time for him to spend time with the family," Pederson said. "He knows what it takes to get himself ready to go, and I fully expect him to be here in a couple of weeks."

Cox, the Eagles' standout defensive tackle, has not been in contact with Pederson, who has attempted a few times to get in touch, Pederson said.

Defensive end Brandon Graham said he talks with Cox regularly, but they don't discuss Cox's contract situation. "We just talk about how we can't wait for the season," Graham said.

In 1999, Andy Reid gave Donovan McNabb a few series under center each week, though Doug Pederson was the starter. Pederson was asked if he'll try to do something like that with Carson Wentz. He said it would be tough, "with Chase Daniel sitting there" as Sam Bradford's backup . . . MIKE linebacker Jordan Hicks sat out Tuesday's work with leg tightness, Pederson said . . . Cornerback Nolan Carroll participated only in individual drills as he continues his recovery from a broken ankle suffered Nov. 26 . . . Allen Barbre, the 2015 starter, "is our guy" at left guard for now, Pederson said . . . Kicker Cody Parkey, who sustained a season-ending groin injury last Sept. 27, probably won't go all-out until training camp, Pederson said . . . The Eagles signed tight end M.J. McFarland, from UTEP, who was a tryout at last week's rookie camp. They also added veteran linebacker Ty Powell, a former Bill and Seahawk. Quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson and offensive lineman Brett Boyko were released.

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