Eagles, Westbrook Agree To Terms On New Contract
POSTED: 6:06 pm MDT August 8,
2008
Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms with running back Brian Westbrook on a significantly upgraded new contract that will keep him with the club for the next six years.According to the Philadelphia Daily News, Westbrook will be guaranteed $13 million over the next two years and should make $21 million over the three years he had remaining on his previous deal. That number could grow to as much as $24 million should Westbrook remain at a pro-bowl caliber level of play. Westbrook was to receive $11 million over the next three years. The complicated structure of the new deal adds an additional three years to the contract but those years are considered moot and were put in place to accommodate the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. It's understood that the Eagles would either release or rework Westbrook's contract at that time. One of the NFL's top offensive weapons and a two-time Pro Bowl selection, Westbrook has produced the second-highest yards from scrimmage total (6,768) since becoming a full-time starter in 2004. Only the Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson accumulated more in that span. Currently, the Villanova product is the only active NFL player with 20-or-more touchdowns both rushing and receiving (27 rush, 23 receiving) in his career. Additionally, Westbrook leads all NFL running backs in receptions (338), receiving yards (3,121) and receiving touchdowns (23) since 2003. "As I've said many times, I believe Brian Westbrook is the best running back in football," said Eagles head coach Andy Reid. "He can do it all from that position, whether it's running, catching the football or blocking. He is [a] true professional and leader on and off the field and it's a great deal for both Brian and the Eagles organization. I'd like to give credit to [Eagles president] Joe Banner, [Westbrook's agent] Todd France and Brian for working so diligently in getting this deal done. We look forward to Brian having a great 2008 season and beyond." The 28-year-old Westbrook posted a record-breaking campaign in 2007, as he led the NFL with a franchise-record 2,104 total yards from scrimmage, and became the first Eagle to rush for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since Duce Staley (1998-99). He also led all NFL running backs with a team-record 90 receptions. For his efforts, Westbrook garnered multiple All-Pro honors, including a first-team selection from the Associated Press. The Eagles workhorse was also named to his second Pro Bowl, and was voted as the team's offensive MVP for the second consecutive year. Among Eagles running backs, Westbrook is the franchise career leader in yards per carry (4.7), and ranks second in yards per touch (5.9), yards from scrimmage (7,992) and receiving touchdowns (23). He also ranks fourth on the club's all-time list in career rushing yards (4,788) and sixth in rushing touchdowns (27).
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