The Philadelphia Eagles became the second team in as many days to release their former All Pro running back after the Chargers parted ways with LaDainian Tomlinson the day before. Westbrook was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2002 draft and became the team's offensive spark plug in 2003 after saving the season with an 84 yard punt return for a TD in the final minute of a week 7 matchup against the rival New York Giants. Westbrook is the franchise's all-time leader in yards from scrimmage highlighted by back-to-back seasons in '06 and '07 where he lead the league in that category. Westbrook was entering the final year of his contract and was owed $7.5 Million over that period.
Westbrook is in the twilight of his career and an injury-plagued 2009 campaign made the decision to let him go easier for the Eagles' management. Westbrook has been the most electrifying player in the team's history and from 2005-2007 could have made a case for being the best RB in the NFL (or at least the NFC). Injuries have always been a problem for the veteran who has never been able to play in all 16 games in any season. Westbrook's production in 2008 was limited by ankle and knee injuries and he really hasn't played at 100% in a few years. He began this most recent season coming off of ankle surgery and suffered a pair of concussions midway through the year relegating him to a non-factor. The emergence of rookie RB LeSean McCoy also made Westbrook's release more palpable after he piled up 637 yards and 4 TDs in Westbrook's absence. I think the Eagles' coaching staff is happy with their rushing attack of McCoy and All Pro FB Leonard Weaver and they cut ties with the over-30 tailback at the right time. I don't expect Westbrook to play in the NFL for more than a year or so after this with all of his injuries issues.
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