So, All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook eventually reported on time. Ditto former Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard. The same can’t be said for Pro Bowl offensive guard Shawn Andrews. No Shawn Andrews? That’s right, no Shawn Andrews. He failed to report due to “personal reasons” which the Eagles apparently don’t believe are too personal considering they are labeling his absence unexcused and he faces a likely fine.
Andrews will have to be dealt with later. All that is known is he talked on Thursday to coach Andy Reid.
Westbrook, unhappy with his contract and in search of a mega-deal, did not speak to Reid on Thursday before arriving. Admittedly, there was significant doubt he wouldn’t be at Lehigh University on time. But he was, and with plenty to say.
“I’m here,” Westbrook said semi-reluctantly just moments before jumping into talks about his contract. “I come to play football. When I get on that football field, I come and do my job. I hired an agent [Todd France], so I’m going to allow him to address my off-the-field issues. I feel very comfortable with him. I think he’s a competent agent, a guy that can get the deal done, and I’m sure that he will.”
Then Westbrook started building his case for a new deal. The only problem was the 35-year-old running back’s argument was flawed.
“Look at production,” he said. “T.O. is 35 years old and he’s produced and he’s a Pro Bowl player. Marvin Harrison got a deal when he was 33. Priest Holmes got a deal when he was 30. It’s not about your age it’s your production. If you’re producing on the field, look at the stats. Number can’t lie. Numbers don’t lie. My stats have steadily increased since I got here, and hopefully they will continue to do that.
T.O. and Harrison play a completely different position, wide receiver, where longevity is much more prevalent than running back. Holmes never posted another 1,000-yard rushing season after his 30th birthday.
Still, Westbrook is a different case, and he’s optimistic a new deal can get done. His agent has already had discussions with the Eagles’ front office. They’re all confident Westbrook has plenty of good years left in his legs.
“You have to look at the stats,” Westbrook said. “There are guys who have done it. Can you continue to do it, that is the question? Hopefully I can.”
Westbrook’s agent better find some players (Emmitt Smith comes to mind) who have experienced success after 30 to counteract his client’s mentioning of a running back who declined rather quickly and two wide receivers.
As for how much Westbrook wants, he did not specify. He did say the figure $30 million was not accurate, and that numbers being floated out there were “vicious rumors” from agents who failed to land a new, premium client.
“I haven't said anything about the numbers,” Westbrook said. “I haven't put any numbers out there, to be exact. Those agents have said not only that but a lot of different things that are not true.”
The Eagles had their first team meeting at 7 p.m. and will go through fitness tests on Friday morning. The first team practice will take place Friday afternoon at Lehigh. Check back Friday evening for a recap of the first real day of training camp.
