For the first time in eight seasons, the Eagles will open training camp with a Brian Westbrook in the fold. And, as of yet, Westbrook has yet to sign with a team despite receiving at least one concrete offer.
While Westbrook openly visited and worked out for the Rams, Broncos and Redskins, only Washington has officially offered him a contract. Or, at least, that’s we’ve been led to believe.
Yet, a week away from camp, Westbrook has yet to sign with anyone. And, honestly, we have to question how smart that is assuming Westbrook truly wants to continue his career.
Brian Westbrook has stated his intention of resuming his NFL career next season. He has yet to sign with a team and camps start next week.
He’s coming off an injury-riddled season or two and is not nearly as explosive as he once was. If he is expecting to be paid like a top back, he’ll never find a job unless Al Davis really wants him.
If he is waiting for an injury to happen in training camp to open up other opportunities, we would find that strategy questionable as well. There are other backs out there, and even if he were brought in, he’d have to learn the offense and compete for playing time.
Finally, if his motive is to miss as much of camp as possible and remain fresh for the regular season, we again think he’s making a mistake as he needs reps to compete for playing time.
For instance, Washington has Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker all on the roster. Questions surround all three, but the fact remains they are all former Pro Bowlers. For Westbrook to not get in there to compete, he must think another opportunity is opening up. Otherwise, he’s giving a head start to three other established backs.
The only other thing we can figure is that there’s a wild card team out there that knows what Westbrook can do and is giving him an option of signing later in camp so as to spare his body. And, Westbrook could be waiting to see who is under center for that mystery team.
Who are we talking about? Watch ESPN the next few weeks and follow the annual summer QB saga being courted by the bearded one, Brad Childress.
Then again, a guy who wears No. 5 in Washington also knows what BWest36 can do.
