FootballOutsiders.com, Sproles also played fewer offensive snaps in 2013 (357) in 15 games than he did in 13 games in 2012 (444). That's a decline from 34.2 to 23.8 per game. Most of these lost snaps went to anticipates most of the Sproles touches will to go to third-year running back Travaris Cadet. Cadet has just seven career receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown along with and one carry for five yards and a fumble. Replacing 71 receptions, though, is a tall order for the unproven back.

The punt return situation in New Orleans will need to be assessed as well. In losing Sproles, the Saints are losing one of the most consistent and effective punt returners in the league. He's been a large reason for his team's return success in the past. Here are Sproles' punt return numbers as well as the Offensive Punt Return NEP of the teams he played on during those seasons.

Aside from a slow rookie season and an anomalous 2010 season, Sproles has been integral in some of the most efficient punt return teams during his tenure in the NFL. In his three seasons with the Saints, Sproles has monopolized punt returns. Aside from Sproles, only Cadet and Lance Moore returned a punt in this three-year span. In their five combined attempts, they netted seven yards.

The departure of the 30-year-old Sproles may not be a crippling one for a team as resilient and talented as the Saints. They do have Thomas, who was an above-average rusher. But his production out of the backfield will not be as easily replaceable as the raw statistics from Thomas' 2013 season would indicate, and a viable punt returner must emerge to help keep the Saints from the shadow of their own goal post during this upcoming season.