Packers showing interest in Westbrook
By Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel
April 12, 2010 5:22 p.m. |(5) Comments
The Green Bay Packers are exploring the possibility of adding former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to their already potent offense.
Though its unclear whether the Packers are serious enough to sign the 30-year-old veteran free agent, two sources said Monday that the club definitely has shown interest in him. Westbrook became a free agent when the Eagles released him Feb. 23.,
Westbrook has taken a lot of hits over his eight-year career and last year missed eight games due to a pair of concussions. There was some speculation that he would retire after the Eagles released him, but he appears determined to play again and wants to show people rumors of him being finished arent true.
If the Packers signed Westbrook, it would probably be to fill the role veteran Ahman Green did the second half of last season. Westbrook is an outstanding receiver and often lined up in the slot in Eagles coach Andy Reids offense, taking advantage of match-ups with slower linebackers.
Last year, Westbrook carried 61 times for 274 yards (4.5-yard average) and a touchdown and caught 25 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown. Projected over 16 games, those numbers would have been far below his 936 yards and nine touchdowns rushing and 54 catches for 402 yards and five touchdowns in 2008.
Despite the decline in his numbers, Westbrook played well enough to remain the starter in Philadelphia last year, although rookie LeSean McCoy started emerging for the Eagles early in the season. It's possible Westbrook would benefit from playing a more limited role somewhere else.
If healthy, Westbrook could provide coach Mike McCarthy with the effective third-down back he has lacked in recent years. Brandon Jackson was an outstanding blocker on third downs last year, but he was not a factor as a receiver or runner. Starter Ryan Grant has expressed an interest in playing more on third downs, and if he does, he probably would need his backup to handle some of the work on other downs.
McCarthy could also use the two backs together in order to create favorable match-ups. Westbrook played numerous positions in Reid's offense and was a threat to run or catch the ball on third downs. At 5-10, 203 pounds, his combination of size and speed made him difficult to bring down.
Much has been made of the concussions Westbrook suffered last year, the first when his helmet collided with the knee of Washington linebacker London Fletcher. The second forced him to miss the last five regular-season games.
But he was cleared for the playoffs and ankle and knee injuries suffered over the years might be what most interested teams want to examine most.
If the Packers signed Westbrook, they probably would want it to be a short-term deal with incentives that would pump up the value if he has a good year. Westbrook, however, made $5.85 million last year and was scheduled to make more than $7 million this year before the Eagles cut him and may be willing to sit out until he gets the deal he wants.