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Brian Westbrook News & Rumors

Niners shopping for Westbrook's replacement
April 8
Sacramento Bee
 
"The 49ers are in the market for a change-of-pace running back. They'll be hosting one, Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter, on Monday, according to the National Football Post, and are expected to attend the Thursday workout of another, Eastern Washington's Taiwan Jones. The 49ers coaching staff also is quite familiar with another player who fits that category, Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers. Although Rodgers does not have a visit scheduled with the team, according to his agent, he doesn't exactly need one. The 49ers' tight end coach, Reggie Davis, spent the last three years as Rodgers' position coach at Oregon State. Rodgers also has played against Jim Harbaugh and several of his assistants"
Westbrook: I'd love to return to Eagles
March 8
Philly.com
 
"After spending a year in San Francisco with the 6-10 49ers, Brian Westbrook doesn't sound like he's ready to call it quits. The former Eagles great was in town for an autograph-signing event over the weekend and said he would love to return and play for Andy Reid. "I talk to Coach Reid every week or so," Westbrook told NBC 10 and Comcast SportsNet. "We always talk. And I would love to be back in Philly, so we'll see how things go." Westbrook carried 77 times for 340 yards (4.4 YPC) and had 16 receptions for 150 yards last season. In two games against the Cardinals, he had 36 carries for 215 yards. In all the other games combined, he had 41 carries for 125 yards. But at the age of 31, he"
Brian Westbrook fills in well
December 13
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Niners running back Brian Westbrook is making life without Frank Gore look a lot like it looked before Gore's season-ending hip injury - lots of screen passes and plenty of yards from scrimmage. Westbrook broke a tackle to turn a 5-yard dump-off into a 62-yard touchdown pass, the longest of his Pro Bowl career, to highlight Sunday's 40-21 win over the visiting Seahawks. It was the former Eagles' longest play since a 71-yard run against the 49ers in 2006. His 30th career scoring catch is the most by any active running back. It came on a hot read in which Westbrook recognized the blitz and adjusted his route just the way quarterback Alex Smith anticipated. "Both him and I see the same"
San Francisco still trying to figure out how best to utilize Brian Westbrook
November 27
San Jose Mercury News
 
"If Brian Westbrook generated as many yards as he does words, the 49ers would be flying high. The man with the NFL's most talked about five carries came up as a topic again Friday, when coordinator Mike Johnson renewed the 49ers' pledge to get Westbrook more involved in the offense. "He's at the point now where he's comfortable," Johnson said as the team prepared for a Monday night road game against the Arizona Cardinals. "So, he's understanding everything we're trying to do, and he's ready." The 49ers signed Westbrook to a $1.25 million deal, plus incentives, about two weeks into training camp. At the time, he was touted as a versatile option for the 49ers backfield. Instead, Westbrook has"
Westbrook an afterthought with 49ers
October 10
Courier-Post
 
"Right now, Brian Westbrook is to the San Francisco 49ers' offense what Eldra Buckley is to the Eagles' offense -- an afterthought. Even though Westbrook battled injuries and watched his production levelswiftly in his last two seasons with the Eagles, who cut him in February, it's hard to believe a winless 49ers team that ranks 20th in total offense and 27th in rushing couldn't find more than three overall touches for a two-time Pro Bowl running back who just three years ago was one of the NFL's preeminent run-catch threats. Westbrook is the currently the backup to Frank Gore, also a Pro Bowler who's younger and in his prime. The Niners seem intent to maximize Gore, who leads the team in"
Brian Westbrook still watching and waiting
October 9
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Brian Westbrook might be football's most accomplished bench warmer. He has two Pro Bowls and almost 10,000 yards from scrimmage to his credit. All that's earned him with the 49ers is a great seat on game day. Is he healthy? Has he lost a step? Why has he been stuck on the sideline of a team that can't score? Westbrook is ready to answer, big time. He hopes Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Candlestick Park marks his chance to "make some people open their eyes and say, 'We should have got this guy on the doggone field a little earlier.' " Through four games, Westbrook has been on the field for four snaps. A week ago, he lined up for a third-down play against Atlanta -- but"
Lack of playing time gives Westbrook a low profile
October 9
Sacramento Bee
 
"When Brian Westbrook was with the Philadelphia Eagles, merely popping into the corner market for a carton of milk was an ordeal. He had a sterling reputation in the City of Brotherly Love, and everyone knew his face. Now that he's with the 49ers? "Being out here, I can go to the grocery store and do everything I want to do, and nobody really pays attention to me," Westbrook said Friday. "That's a different feeling." But while finding anonymity in the real world has been nice, being Mr. Invisible on Sundays has been a real downer for the two-time Pro Bowl running back. Westbrook described his routine this season as if it was a bad version of "Groundhog Day." Every week he shows up at"
49ers RB Westbrook waits for chance to play
September 18
Sacramento Bee
 
"After another Alex Smith-to-Michael Crabtree pass Sunday turned into a Seahawks interception, veteran running back Brian Westbrook pulled the animated Crabtree aside on the sideline and did his best to pacify the young wide receiver. That ended up being the most action Westbrook saw all afternoon. Westbrook is one of the best running backs in the league at catching the ball and turning upfield in a flash. But as the 49ers fell further and further behind in Seattle and desperately needed yards and points, Westbrook remained idle. Asked Friday whether he would make his 49ers debut Monday against New Orleans, Westbrook said: "I have no clue. You have to ask Jimmy that." Jimmy is Jimmy Raye,"
49ers' Westbrook eager to play after 10 months out
September 18
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Never. That's how many times 49ers running back Brian Westbrook was healthy and suited up for a game yet did not play - until Sunday's season opener at Seattle, when he did not play a down in a 31-6 loss. Not surprisingly, Westbrook is more than a little antsy to make his 49ers debut Monday night against the Saints at Candlestick Park. The question is, can the 49ers keep the score close enough to make Westbrook a change-of-pace option? "I was prepared to play, just didn't get any opportunities," said Westbrook, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who midway through training camp signed a $1.25 million deal that doubles with incentives. "It's been a while since I haven't played in a game, man."
49ers may limit Brian Westbrook in opener
September 10
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Though Brian Westbrook could make his 49ers regular-season debut Sunday, it's unlikely the running back will have anything more than a cameo. Westbrook insisted he is healthy -- "about 100 percent," he said Thursday -- but offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye sounded reluctant to press his luck when it comes to the running back's balky hamstring. "My biggest concern with a player that doesn't go through the offseason program and training camp is that you run the risk of a setback from a strain or a pull, and that's what happened to him," Raye said. The two-time Pro Bowl running back signed with the 49ers on Aug. 16 and had only two carries during exhibition play before sustaining what the team"
Westbrook gives 49ers more options out of backfield
August 19
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The coaches call it "perfect play," but it's actually a sequence of snaps where the offense attempts to crisply execute against no defense at the end of each practice. As it happened Wednesday, the 49ers ended the morning session with two swing passes near the goal line to running back Brian Westbrook from backup quarterback David Carr, the first to the left, the second to the right. Surely, the 49ers were looking to instantly integrate one of the best pass-receiving backs of his era into the offense while also revitalizing what was a traditional strength dating to the days of Roger Craig, Ricky Watters and Lombardi trophies. 49ers safety Michael Lewis, part of the same Philadelphia Eagles"
Gore approves of Westbrook acquisition
August 18
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The 49ers made sure they weren't upsetting one Pro Bowl running back before they considered bringing in another Pro Bowler at the same position. Frank Gore said Tuesday that the team approached him and got his blessing before signing Brian Westbrook. "I knew that we needed another back, and he was the best one out there," Gore said. "I think he can help this team and help me to be a better player. ... I know he can help this team get better and help us go to another level, so I'm fine with it." Gore doesn't sound like he's quite ready to yield any of his carries, and the 49ers have made it clear that Westbrook is here as the backup. Coach Mike Singletary didn't rule out using some packages"
Brian Westbrook says he's ready to play any role
August 18
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Brian Westbrook got plenty of cheers as he made his way to the field for the first time as a member of the 49ers, but most of the running the newest acquisition did Tuesday was with his mouth. In a good way. As the 49ers went through a two-hour workout in shorts and shells, Westbrook, wearing No. 20, was getting a crash course on the offense from running-backs coach Tom Rathman. When he wasn't in discussion with Rathman, Westbrook was engaged in a long talk with trainer Jeff Ferguson as well as mingling with his teammates. It's a new team, a new color, a new number and a new offense after eight years playing for a Philadelphia team that never changed its system during his tenure. "I'm just"
Packers passed on free agent Westbrook
August 18
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The San Francisco 49ers signed running back Brian Westbrook on Monday, several months after the Green Bay Packers kicked the tires and decided not to invest. Westbrook was waived Feb. 23 by the Philadelphia Eagles after eight game-breaking seasons. His one-year contract in San Francisco reportedly was worth $1.25 million, with the chance to double it through incentives. The Packers investigated the possibility of adding Westbrook in the weeks before the draft in April but ultimately said no. "The whole issue was his injuries," said Reggie McKenzie, the Packers' director of football operations. "After researching it we just pulled back.""
Westbrook rushes in to lend depth to backfield
August 17
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Why add a no-name camp body when you can have one of the most prolific all-purpose backs of the past decade? That's exactly why the 49ers signed former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to the training-camp roster Monday. They needed a backup for Pro Bowl starter Frank Gore because of Glen Coffee's abrupt retirement Friday. In Westbrook, they have a two-time Pro Bowler with 9,785 yards from scrimmage since 2002. He runs around the edges. He catches out of the backfield. He scores all over the place. Not bad, as far as mid-August transactions go. "The fact that he was still there at this point, I'm just thankful that he was an option," said 49ers coach Mike Singletary during an"
Westbrook a Coffee refill
August 17
Sacramento Bee
 
"Brian Westbrook has no illusions of grandeur about his new gig in San Francisco. The longtime Philadelphia Eagles running back said Monday that he knows that Frank Gore is, in his words, "the man," in the 49ers' offense and that he is happy to play behind him. But that doesn't mean that Westbrook is incapable of becoming a No. 1 running back again if called upon. "From my workouts I've had this offseason, from my conditioning this offseason, I don't see why I can't come in and carry the load," he said in his first news conference. The 49ers elbowed ahead of several other suitors Monday to sign Westbrook, 30, to a one-year deal that's worth as much as $2.5 million. The signing was first"
49ers sign free agent Brian Westbrook to bolster run game
August 17
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The twists and turns continued at 49ers training camp Monday, with longtime Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook signing a one-year deal hours after defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer was traded to Seattle. Westbrook, a two-time Pro Bowl selection in eight seasons in Philadelphia, adds depth in the backfield after the retirement of Glen Coffee last week. Westbrook is the Eagles' all-time leader in yards from scrimmage (9,785), but he missed eight games last season because of two concussions and an ankle injury. Balmer was dealt to the Seahawks for a 2011 sixth-round draft pick. Balmer, a first-round selection in 2008, never started for the 49ers and didn't return to training camp"
Brian Westbrook may still be on St. Louis Rams wish list
August 15
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"As expected, second-year man Chris Ogbonnaya got plenty of work in Saturday's preseason opener. But is backfield help on the way in the form of ex-Philadelphia Eagle Brian Westbrook? Reports Saturday indicated that Westbrook was leaning toward signing with the Rams. That was news to Rams officials. But according to general manager Billy Devaney, the team remains interested in signing Westbrook and has been in steady contact with him over the offseason and preseason. An answer may be coming soon because Westrbook is supposed to make a decision Monday. Ogbonnaya played the entire first half and the first series of the second half at running back. His modest totals included five carries for"
Brian Westbrook still weighing his options
August 3
Washington Post
 
"Even with all the running backs in camp - five, including three who have been to the Pro Bowl - the Redskins still haven't said publicly that they are giving up hope of landing former Philadelphia Pro Bowler Brian Westbrook. Westbrook's brother, Washington cornerback Byron Westbrook, said Monday he has stopped asking about the situation, even as teams such as the Denver Broncos lose running backs to injuries early in training camp. "He has to be comfortable in the whole situation," Byron Westbrook said after Monday's late afternoon practice. "Just because our personal opinions of being here with close friends [including former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb] and close to home, he has to"
Shiancoe: Westbrook could help Vikings
July 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe created a minor stir this week when he tweeted about the fact he was working out with free-agent running back Brian Westbrook. Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett also has been participating in the workouts -- it's not exactly uncommon for players from various teams to train together -- but there long has been a feeling the Vikings might have interest in Westbrook and the link to Shiancoe created some speculation. The tie-in between the Vikings and Westbrook stems from the fact coach Brad Childress knows Westbrook from their time together in Philadelphia when Childress was the Eagles' offensive coordinator. Minnesota also lost valuable backup"
Westbrook giving every indication he plans to play
July 9
NFL.com
 
"The last we heard on the Brian Westbrook front, Steve Wyche reported that more teams than previously thought were interested in the services of the former Eagles back. Westbrook is doing his part to give every indication he's training to play in 2010. He's been working out for the last several weeks with a group of players including his brother, Byron Westbrook, Visanthe Shiancoe and Darnell Dockett at Athletic Dominance in Maryland. Shiancoe has had an up close look and a chance to talk to Westbrook some about his future and getting over his ankle and knee injuries. "This is the first time he's been able to really work out fully and not feel [his previous injuries]," Shiancoe said. "This"
Replacing Westbrook key for Eagles' run game
July 4
The Times of Trenton
 columnist Mark Eckel
"Every week until training camp, another position on the Eagles is being analyzed. This week it's the running backs. When the Eagles decided that one of their best running backs of all time, Brian Westbrook, was finished, there wasn't much debate. And the fact that Westbrook, who will turn 31 just before the start of this season, has not signed with another team validates the Eagles' decision for the most part. Now the question isn't about Westbrook, who led the team in total yards for six straight years, it's about his replacement. "We feel LeSean (McCoy) is ready to step in and do the job,'' Eagles head coach Andy Reid said this spring about his new featured back. McCoy, the team's"
'More teams' interested in Westbrook
June 25
NFL.com
 
"It was previously believed that veteran RB Brian Westbrook could play for the Broncos, Rams or Redskins this coming season. But that short list might have expanded. NFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche said Thursday on "NFL Total Access" that "more teams" are now interested in Westbrook's services, although those teams weren't revealed to him. For now, those teams remain a mystery. But that nugget from Wyche might help explain why Westbrook has been taking his time finding a new home this offseason."
Shanahan: Redskins offer a contract to Westbrook
June 3
Washington Examiner
 
"The Redskins have three running backs but no real third-down back. Which is why they remain interested in free agent Brian Westbrook. They remain in contention for him along with Denver and St. Louis. The Redskins have made the former Eagles star a contract offer, coach Mike Shanahan said."
Redskins make offer to Brian Westbrook
June 3
Washington Post
 
"Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan Wednesday called Clinton Portis the Redskins' current starting running back, while Shanahan's father -- head coach Mike Shanahan -- confirmed that the team has made a formal contract offer to yet another back: free agent Brian Westbrook. The two spoke separately after another round of organized team activities, but taken together, their remarks raised the prospect of the team starting training camp with four veteran running backs: Portis, Westbrook, Larry Johnson, who played for the Bengals last season, and former Pittsburgh Steeler Willie Parker. The team added Johnson and Parker during the offseason. "We want him to sign with us,""
Shanahan: Skins have made offer to Brian Westbrook
June 2
Washington Post
 
"Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan made his most emphatic public overtures to free agent running back Brian Westbrook Wednesday, saying Washington has made Westbrook an official offer to join a full stable of running backs that already includes veterans Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker. Asked after Wednesday's offseason workout session if he had heard from Westbrook or his agent, Shanahan told the assembled media, "No, but if you guys hear anything, just tell him that we're ready. "We want him to sign with us," Shanahan said. "Like I said, it could be some great competition. I really like Brian, what he's done and how he's handled himself. I'm sure he's weighing some options. It's"
Westbrook visits with Redskins, sets up meeting with Broncos
May 13
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"After visiting with the Washington Redskins, former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is scheduled to visit the Denver Broncos, according to reports. In Washington, Westbrook would join former teammate Donovan McNabb and his brother, Byron. In Denver, he would reunite with Correll Buckhalter and Brian Dawkins. The Broncos already have Knowshon Moreno, Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington on the roster. According to ESPN.com, Westbrook met with Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan as well as others."
Veteran RB Westbrook to visit Broncos
May 13
Denver Post
 
"The Broncos continue to show their interest in accomplished veteran players. The team will host former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook for a visit at Dove Valley on Thursday, according to a league source. Westbrook, 30, was released by the Eagles after the 2009 season, which was his least productive year since his rookie season. Westbrook missed eight games in 2009 and dealt with serious concussion issues. On Tuesday, Westbrook visited the Washington Redskins, but left without signing a contract. Denver surely would be a comfortable destination for Westbrook, who count reunite here with his former Eagles teammates Correll Buckhalter and Brian Dawkins. All three are close friends."
Westbrook visiting Skins
May 12
Philly.com
 
"The Washington Redskins are set to bring former Eagles star Brian Westbrook in for a visit Wednesday, the Washington Post reported. The running back's visit was confirmed by Westbrook's brother Byron, a cornerback with the Redskins."The Redskins are bringing him in for a visit, so they have interest, but he still has to weigh his options," Byron Westbrook told the newspaper. "You've just got to be patient, see what they say on his visit, and go from there."The Westbrooks are from Fort Washington, Md.The Eagles cut Westbrook on Feb. 23 after an injury-plagued season. If he were to join the Redskins, he would be paired again with Donovan McNabb, who was traded to Washington last month.The"
A role for Westbrook?
May 12
Washington Examiner
 
"If ... Brian Westbrook is healthy and can do the things he used to do and is willing to be less than a full-time back ... then the Redskins would be wise to sign him. However, that's one big if. And, not to mention, a lot of them. That's why we're dubious about the Redskins desire to sign the former Philadelphia standout. Could this just be a favor to Westbrook? After all, he's scheduled to appear at an event at Spingarn High School on Wednesday night with ... Redskins general manager Bruce Allen. Nonetheless, Washington will entertain the DeMatha grad, and brother of Redskins corner Byron, on Wednesday. Which says one thing, if it's serious: The Redskins know they need to find a"
Former rival Brian Westbrook will visit with Washington Redskins
May 12
Washington Post
 
"Despite a backfield that already resembles the NFL's 2006 Greatest Hits collection, the Redskins are expected to meet Wednesday with free agent running back Brian Westbrook, one of the league's most productive running backs before concussions cut short his 2009 season and endangered his career. In addition to Clinton Portis, the team's incumbent starter, the Redskins have signed Larry Johnson and Willie Parker this offseason. But because of Westbrook's productive partnership in Philadelphia with new Washington quarterback Donovan McNabb, the team is apparently deciding whether it should add yet another high-profile back on the roster. "It could be a possibility," Redskins' cornerback Byron"
Brian Westbrook passes medical exam with Rams, mulling options
April 27
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Veteran running back Brian Westbrook still wants to play football. And he checked out OK medically during his weekend visit to Rams Park. But will he end up in St. Louis? Stay tuned. After meeting with Rams coaches and team officials, Westbrook left town and is mulling his options. "He wanted to go back (home) and think it over," Rams general manager Billy Devaney said Monday. "We're just taking it one step at a time right now." The Rams wouldn't have brought him in for a physical if they didn't think he could still be a productive player, albeit as a complement to Steven Jackson in the St. Louis backfield and not as a feature back. Although Westbrook, 30, has plenty of wear and tear on"
Brian Westbrook comes to town for physical
April 25
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Brian Westbrook, a former standout running back with the Philadelphia Eagles, took a physical with the Rams on Saturday. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo, who previously was an assistant coach with the Eagles, cautioned reporters that Westbrook coming to town for the physical did not guarantee that he would be signing with the Rams. "Brian is here just because we want to do the physical," Spagnuolo noted. "We want to do that part of it. But then we'll see where it goes from there. It's way, way early in the stage." The 30-year-old Westbrook, a former Pro Bowler, was released by Philadelphia in February. He suffered two concussions in 2009 and missed eight games because of the concussions and an"
Brian Westbrook visits Rams for physical
April 25
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The 2010 draft came and went without the Rams selecting a much-needed backup to running back Steven Jackson. But the Rams could be tapping a familiar source for help. Namely, a former Philadelphia Eagle or New York Giant. In this case, it's a former Eagle, veteran running back Brian Westbrook. Westbrook arrived in St. Louis on Saturday for a physical and, if all goes well, he could be signed as a Ram. "Brian's in here because we want to do the physical, we want to do that part of it," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "But then we'll see where it goes from there. It's way, way early in the stage." Spagnuolo coached previously with the Giants and the Eagles and makes no bones about the fact that"
Packers kicking tires on Westbrook
April 13
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Green Bay Packers are exploring the possibility of adding former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to their already potent offense. Though it's unclear whether the Packers are serious enough to sign the 30-year-old veteran, two sources said Monday that the club definitely has shown interest. Westbrook became a free agent when the Eagles released him Feb. 23. Westbrook has taken a lot of hits over the years and last season missed eight games with a pair of concussions. There was some speculation that he would retire because of those injuries, but he appears determined to play again and wants to show people that rumors he's finished aren't true. If the Packers signed"
Packers showing interest in Westbrook
April 13
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Green Bay Packers are exploring the possibility of adding former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to their already potent offense. Though it's 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"
On his way out, Westbrook scores one on the Eagles
March 2
Philly.com
 columnist John Gonzalez
"It was a staggering statement, raw and honest. It was also necessary and long overdue. The Eagles released Brian Westbrook a week ago today. From a football standpoint, it was the right thing to do. After eight years of impressive service, injuries and age and, sadly, too many concussions made the running back expendable. It was time to move on. No one should fault the organization for showing Westbrook the door, though the way they pushed him through it was typical of a franchise that's largely inept when it comes to P.R. and basic decency. After saying goodbye to the only employer he's known in his NFL career, Westbrook revealed that he hadn't spoken with team president Joe Banner or"
Ravens show interest in ex-Eagles Westbrook, Owens
February 28
Courier-Post
 
"The Ravens expressed interest Saturday in two former Eagles -- running back Brian Westbrook and wide receiver Terrell Owens. In his press conference at the NFL combine, Ravens coach John Harbaugh gave ringing endorsements to each, despite Westbrook's sudden release last week and the turmoil Owens stirred during his time in Philadelphia. Harbaugh said Westbrook, a two-time Pro Bowl running back who played just eight games last season, isn't done. "To me, Brian Westbrook definitely has a lot left," the former Eagles assistant said. "I think probably the Eagles know that and everybody else knows it. He's going to have plenty of opportunities to play. I'm sure we'd be interested. I guess I can"
Ravens interested in Westbrook, Owens
February 28
Philly.com
 
"While most of the NFL's coaches and general managers declined to discuss specific free agents for fear of being accused of tampering, John Harbaugh wasn't as tight-lipped. The Baltimore Ravens coach expressed his team's interest in two former Eagles, running back Brian Westbrook and wide receiver Terrell Owens. "To me, Brian Westbrook definitely has a lot left," said Harbaugh, a former Eagles assistant. "I think probably the Eagles know that, and everybody else knows it. He's going to have plenty of opportunities to play. . . . We'd be interested in Brian Westbrook. I guess I can say that - he's free." Technically, Westbrook is not free. The Eagles announced their decision to release him"
Release not a surprise to Westbrook
February 25
Courier-Post
 
"Brian Westbrook knew his Eagles days were numbered as he walked off the field following the team's season-ending 34-14 loss to the Cowboys in an NFC wild-card game. Westbrook had no carries and caught one pass. "Of course, that last game of the season, it was kind of the writing on the wall that I wasn't in their plans for any time to go forward," Westbrook said in an interview with Mike Gill of 97.3 ESPN, based in Atlantic City. "When they did not allow me to have any impact on the game, it kind of set the stage for my release." The Eagles released the two-time Pro Bowler Tuesday after eight seasons and won't have to pay him $7.25 million. Westbrook said the Eagles never offered him a"
Westbrook: 'I will return to the NFL'
February 25
Philly.com
 
"Brian Westbrook said yesterday that he has no plans to retire and that his agent already has fielded "three or four" calls from interested teams. A day after the Eagles announced his release, the 30-year-old running back broke his silence and spoke to WPEN-FM (97.5). Westbrook was respectful to the Eagles' organization and said that he harbored no hard feelings toward the team. Coach Andy Reid delivered the news to Westbrook on Tuesday morning. The running back said it was the first time he had heard anything about being released. He said that he had not heard from owner Jeffrey Lurie or team president Joe Banner, although both members of the front office praised Westbrook on Tuesday."
Former Eagles star Westbrook open to joining Giants
February 25
New York Post
 
"Brian Westbrook spent the first eight years of his career torturing the Giants. Now he could join them. Westbrook, who was released yesterday by the Eagles, was asked today if he would rule out signing with any of Philadelphia's NFC East rivals. "At this point I am not sure where I will be at," Westbrook said on 97.5 in Philadelphia. "But I would be willing to go to any team that would have me, any team in search of a championship." Westbrook did not win a Super Bowl with the Eagles and said that finding a team that is a contender is one of the criteria in determining his next team. The interest might be mutual. The Giants' ground game was 17th in the NFL last season with Brandon Jacobs"
Westbrook says 'plan is not to retire'
February 25
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Brian Westbrook confirmed yesterday what other sources indicated when he was released - the team did not offer Westbrook the option of taking less money to remain. "No one ever really hinted at that. They didn't discuss it," Westbrook said in an interview on ESPN 97.5. "The first thing I heard about being released or anything was [Tuesday]. I got the phone call [Tuesday] and [Eagles coach Andy Reid] said,'We're going to release you.' I said,'OK.' Really, other than that, there was no other communication between me and the team about possibly taking a pay cut or anything like that. It was just,'We're going to release you.' I guess in their mind-set, it gives me the opportunity to latch on"
Westbrook hits market; Vikings a fit?
February 24
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Chargers' decision to release LaDainian Tomlinson on Monday set off speculation whether the Vikings might be interested in the veteran running back provided Chester Taylor leaves as an unrestricted free agent. Well, another name has now joined the list. The Eagles have announced their intention to jettison Brian Westbrook after eight seasons. The 30-year-old Westbrook would have been due $7.25 million this season and has battled concussion, knee and ankle problems. Westbrook's availability is interesting because if you are going to connect the dots from Tomlinson to Minnesota, it wouldn't seem to be a stretch to do the same for Westbrook and the Vikings. The issue, of course, becomes"
Brian's swan song: Eagles show Westbrook the door
February 24
Philly.com
 columnist Bob Ford
"The valedictory given running back Brian Westbrook after eight years of exemplary service clocked in at just over 11 minutes yesterday afternoon, not because the Eagles sought to underplay Westbrook's greatness, but because there really wasn't that much to say. Even if Andy Reid had been inclined to elaborate, which he most certainly was not, the release of a player who is no longer useful to a football organization needs little added explanation. Before last season, the Eagles declined to pick up a contract option that would have kept Westbrook under team control through the 2013 season. Without that option, Westbrook's contract would have ended after the 2010 season. The Eagles were"
Eagles release Westbrook, one of team's greatest offensive weapons
February 24
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"THE LAST TIME Brian Westbrook touched the ball as an Eagle, he went 27 yards with a screen pass, on the final play of the third quarter, in the Birds' humiliating, 34-14 playoff loss at Dallas, Jan. 9. It was Westbrook's only touch of the game, the Eagles trailing, 34-7. "He exploded up the field," middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter recalled yesterday. Someone less partial to Westbrook might quibble with that assessment, might wonder if Dallas safety Ken Hamlin would have been able to catch, say, the BWest of 2007, a good 25 yards short of the end zone. But if you know Trotter's history, how he willed himself back into the NovaCare complex a year-and-a-half into what seemed to be"
Westbrook era is over
February 24
Philly.com
 
"The Eagles said yesterday they plan to release running back Brian Westbrook, thus ending their relationship with one of organization's greatest players and one of the few remaining cogs from coach Andy Reid's best teams. Reid informed Westbrook by telephone while Westbrook was at his horse farm in Upper Marlboro, Md., yesterday morning. "This is a tough day for the Philadelphia Eagles," Reid said at the NovaCare Complex. "Anytime you have to release a player like Brian Westbrook, that's not an easy thing to do. . . . Brian was tremendous with it and very professional with it." Westbrook could not be reached for comment. Messages left with his agent, Todd France, were not returned. In a"