In the latest purging of the old guard, the Philadelphia Eagles released Brian Westbrook, another of my perennial fantasy running backs. Westbrook, to me at least, was the best two-way offensive player in the game up until a few years ago when the wheels started to fall off the wagon. He could burst out of the backfield like no other back and was a dual threat to catch a slant pass across the middle and take it for a TD. But as I said, that was before all the injuries.
Though he ran like one, good thing he isn't a racehorse. The Eagles obviously didn't want to shell out the over $7 million it would have taken to keep him on the roster so they cut him loose yesterday. Unlike Tomlinson, I think Westbrook might not find himself a home during the offseason. If he does, it will probably be on another one of those proverbial "contender" teams and only unleashed in gadget type plays.
I will say this, Westbrook was one of my all time favorites to watch play. Despite my hatred for anything not Pittsburgh (especially Philadelphia) he was one player I respected and always would make the time to check out. I know I would welcome him as a backup to Mendenhall. I'm just saying...
if he is willing to take a pay cut and a reduced role I wouldn't be surprised to see New Orleans or Atlanta take a shot at him..
ReplyDeleteHis being cut did lead to Sportscenter being pranked...so that's good, eh?
http://deadspin.com/5478818/howard-stern-prank-caller-fools-espn