Westbrook released by Eagles

[miktoxic]

Eagles release Westbrook

 

The Eagles released Brian Westbrook, one of their all-time greats, today.

 

The 30-year-old running back's decorated career with the Eagles is now officially over after eight seasons.

 

“Brian is one of the greatest Eagles of all time and he is an even a better person and leader,” head coach Andy Reid said in a statement. “In my mind, there has not been a more versatile running back that the NFL has seen. I had a conversation with Brian this morning to let him know. This is by far the most difficult part of this job. We wanted to make this move in order to maximize Brian’s chances of landing with another NFL team.”

 

The Eagles won't officially release Westbrook until March 5, the first day free agency opens.

 

A message left with Westbrook's agent, Todd France, was not immediately returned.

 

Westbrook was due to make $7.25 million if the Eagles were to bring him back for next season, but that high price tag coupled with his decreased production made the move an obvious one. The Eagles could try to bring back Westbrook at a lesser salary, but that scenario appears unlikely.

 

“Brian Westbrook is one of the most electrifying players in the history of this franchise and is certainly also one of the most popular,” owner Jeffrey Lurie said. “He was personally one of the my favorite players to watch each and every Sunday and his playmaking abilities, leadership and values will be missed.”

 

Westbrook played in only eight games last season, missing seven because of two concussions. He returned for the final two regular season games and a playoff game, but was hardly used in the postseason loss to the Cowboys. He finished the season with 61 carries for 275 yards rushing and one touchdown and with 25 catches for 181 yards and one score.

 

Westbrook, who played in two Pro Bowls following the 2004 and 2007 seasons, ends his Eagles' career with 5,995 yards and 37 touchdowns rushing and 3,790 yards and 29 touchdowns receiving. He will surely go down as one of the franchise's best all-around weapons.

 

Westbrook was recently quoted as saying that he wanted to play next season. He was non-committal about his future with the Eagles, however.

 

There was a report last month that Westbrook's left knee was so damaged that he wouldn't likely pass a physical with another team. Westbrook has dealt with a number of injuries over the years, but this past off-season he had arthroscopic surgery on his knee and had bone spurs removed from his right ankle.

 

There were plenty of signs that the Eagles viewed 2009 as likely the last for Westbrook in an Eagles' uniform. They drafted LeSean McCoy in the second round of the April draft and gave him a significant amount of responsibility early last season. The Pittsburgh product is now the No. 1 tailback. McCoy ran for 637 yards on 155 carries during his rookie season.

 

"McCoy takes the ball from here," Reid said.

 

Westbrook's departure, meanwhile, closes the book on a wonderful tenure. Drafted out of Villanova in the third round of the 2002 draft, Westbrook was mostly used as a returner during his rookie season. But with each year his load increased. He split reps at running back with Duce Staley and Correll Buckhalter initially, but by his third season he was the primary ball carrier for the Eagles. That season the Eagles reached the Super Bowl.

 

In 2005, Westbrook's season was cut short by injury, but in the next three years he became one of the best running backs in the NFL. In 2006, he rushed for 1,217 yards and caught 77 passes for 699 yards. In 2007, he topped 2,000 yards from scrimmage (1,333 rushing and 771 receiving).

 

By 2008, however, he started to show signs of slipping. Westbrook gained 936 yards on the ground, but his 4.0 yard per carry average was his lowest since 2005. Two off-season surgeries followed and Westbook's 30th birthday in September loomed. Thirty has often been cited as the age when lead running backs begin their decline. Westbrook's fall was rapid, although he might suggest that he has something left.

 

That remains to be seen.

 

 

-philadelphia inquirer.

 

 

who else are we gonna see this happen to?

[Kosar_For_President]

If Steven Jackson was charged, then he would be one. Clinton Portis? Betts could be a better rounded back at this point. The Skins could pick up a 3rd round rookie to fill in for 10 carries a game. Many teams are realizing a 2 back system is the way to go. Watch Westbrook end up with the Pats.

[cambridgeho]

If Steven Jackson was charged, then he would be one. Clinton Portis? Betts could be a better rounded back at this point. The Skins could pick up a 3rd round rookie to fill in for 10 carries a game. Many teams are realizing a 2 back system is the way to go. Watch Westbrook end up with the Pats.

 

Him and LT

[miktoxic]

If Steven Jackson was charged, then he would be one. Clinton Portis? Betts could be a better rounded back at this point. The Skins could pick up a 3rd round rookie to fill in for 10 carries a game. Many teams are realizing a 2 back system is the way to go. Watch Westbrook end up with the Pats.

 

yeah but doesn't this guy have like 7 concussions? where's the value in signing someone to which one ding and he's out. maybe for good?

 

[Kosar_For_President]

yeah but doesn't this guy have like 7 concussions? where's the value in signing someone to which one ding and he's out. maybe for good?

 

I'm not saying sign any of these guys at all. I was just speculating who could be cut. If anyone I'd take Westbrook.

[Kosar_For_President]

[daydawg19]

yeah but doesn't this guy have like 7 concussions? where's the value in signing someone to which one ding and he's out. maybe for good?

 

 

Agree Dawg