Andy Reid and Howie Roseman made a statement yesterday: the need for a second back to compliment LeSean “Shady” McCoy was already on the roster.

His name: Leonard Weaver

Leonard Weaver is more than just a fullback for the Eagles.

The second the Eagles brass made Weaver the highest paid fullback in NFL history with his three-year, $11 million contract that guarantees him $6.5 million, it became apparant that the role the pro Bowler played last year will only grow. They wouldn’t have paid a fullback that kind of money if that wasn’t the case.

Brought in as a fullback, Weaver was pressed into running and catching the ball more when Brian Westbrook went down with injuries and concussions last year. He set career highs in rushing attempts with 70 and yards with 323. In doing so, he displayed the ability to be the change of pace back the Eagles need to pair with the young McCoy.

With Weaver and McCoy, the Eagles don’t lose a beat from last year. Even though BWest36 was released, the fact is he contributed next to nothing last year. McCoy and Weaver carried the load.

Weaver is as good an option as Chester Taylor, and comes at a better price than a Thomas Jones. Darren Sproles may have been the only guy the Eagles would have considered, but that option went away the second the Chargers tendered him at the highest level.

With what was out there, the Eagles made the right statement yesterday by bringing back Weaver.