| Bill Meltzer. 22nd May, 2005 - 3:37 pm
 Of all the Eagles veterans in the midst of contract disputes with the team, Brian Westbrook appears the most likely to reach a resolution in the near future.
In a hopeful sign for Eagles fans, Westbrook has fired agent Anthony Agnone and is set to replace him with Fletcher Smith, who has a more cordial relationship with Eagles’ management. Smith represents quarterback Donovan McNabb and running back Correll Buckhalter.
The team's next minicamp for veterans starts June 1. To be able to attend the camp, Westbrook would have to sign the 1-year, $1.43 million restricted free-agent offer the Eagles tendered.
However, the tender may be just a formality. It’s believed that Smith and the Eagles will negotiate for Westbrook to sign the offer and then negotiate a long-term contract. Westbrook, a product of Villanova University, can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2005 season.
Agnone said last month that Westbrook would likely hold out of the June 1 minicamp, but sign the one-year offer by June 15. That’s the date under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement with the Players’ Association that the Eagles could withdraw the offer and replace it with a lower one, if they so choose.
The Eagles will be finished with minicamps by June 15. Eagles management was reportedly upset that Westbrook missed the mandatory minicamp the weekend after the draft and skipping the June 1 camp would not bode well for long-term negotiations. Additionally, many questioned how a holdout from the June 1 camp could help Agnone gain leverage for Westbrook, given their intention to sign the one-one tender two weeks later.
Even with Smith aboard, coming to a long-term agreement may not isn't going to be easy. Smith wants Westbrook to be paid like an elite running back. Westbrook led NFL running backs with 73 receptions last season, and has been a strong fit in Andy Reid’s west coast offense.
Nevertheless, running backs traditionally get paid top dollar for their rushing yards. Westbrook gained 812 yards on 177 carries last season; hardly elite numbers. However, her typically runs the ball extremely well in the second half of games, once the opposing defense has been worn down.
Meanwhile, it has yet to be seen how 2005 draft pick Ryan Moats and veteran Correll Buckhalter will fit into the picture. Last season, Westbrook and Buckhalter were slated to split tailback duties. That plan was scrapped when Buckhalter suffered a torn patella tendon in the preseason and missed the entire 2004 campaign.
Intriguingly, Smith negotiated a 2-year deal for Buckhalter this spring, selling him to Philly as a viable replacement for Westbrook. Now Smith has to convince the Eagles that Westbrook is indispensable after all. Ah, the joys of the NFL offseason. |
