The New Orleans Saints had a ton of playmakers come through their offense during the Sean Payton era with the organization. A popular piece on offense and special teams could head back to the NFL sooner than later, but it won't be as a player.
Darren Sproles to begin coaching internship with Broncos
According to Jordan Lopez, former Saints running back/returner Darren Sproles is getting back into some NFL action. He's set to start a coaching internship with Sean Payton next fall. Sproles was known for his small size but massive impact for New Orleans while Payton was the team's head coach.
Sean Payton's former RB Darren Sproles will be doing a coaching internship with the Denver Broncos next fall, per Sean Payton via @ScoopCityShow
That's going to be awesome 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pTFo93ZXs3— Jordan Lopez (@JordanTLopez) August 5, 2025
The Broncos HC recently interviewed with The Athletic 's Dianna Russini and Chase Daniel. Payton was asked, "if he could take one of his former players and put him on his current roster, who would he choose?" His answer was a bit surprising.
Payton chose Sproles. That's a bold choice over a multitude of Pro Bowl talents that have dawned the black and gold over the years. It's clear he has a ton of respect for the former Saints playmaker.
If Sean Payton could bring back ONE of his former players to play on these Broncos, he wouldn't take Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, Mark Ingram or Malcolm Jenkins.
His answer might surprise you:
pic.twitter.com/d5dPlowRFT— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 6, 2025
Denver just drafted RB R.J. Harvey, but adding Sproles gives a team so much versatility. The pick makes som sense, undoubtedly. Sproles was a fantastic pass catcher in the receiving game, and he also played a major special teams role in New Orleans and his other stops around the NFL.
Regardless, it will be cool for Saints fans to see Sproles on the sidelines as a coach one day. We could even possibly see a return to New Orleans for him on their staff at some point. Only time will tell.
