With Westbrook Gone, The Eagles Re-Sign Weaver

One Eagles back-fielder gets shown the door, while another gets a monumental contract.

Like many of you, I was saddened by the departure of Brian Westbrook, though not at all surprised. His continuous battles with injuries and a decline in statistics only added up to one thing.

Andy Reid's patience with oft-injured players runs thin.

Well this morning the Eagles took care of one of their remaining backs, fullback Leonard Weaver received a contract for 3 years and $11 million dollars; $6.5 million of that is guaranteed. For further reading check NFL.com's report here. This contract is the largest contract given to a fullback to date.

This is a very different step for the Eagles front office, the Eagles are well known for putting fullbacks as one of the last priority, even going into training camp without one.

But with Weaver reaching the Pro Bowl last year, and his ability to share the load when Westbrook was down showed the Eagles what a quality fullback can do. He not only showed good blocking skills but his 70 carries for over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns was an eye-opener for Reid and his staff.  

Weaver also showed he can flow with the West Coast style offense that the Eagles run. In addition to his run game, Leonard caught 15 passes at 140 yards with 2 more touchdowns that way. Certainly this was the icing on the cake. He not only creates running room for McCoy, but forces defenses to put attention on him. Creating one more worry for defensive coordinators everywhere.

Luckily for Weaver, and Eagles fans Reid's staff just couldn't part with this dynamic back-fielder. We can look forward to watching Weaver and McCoy running together for a few years. 

Unfortunately for Westbrook, and long-time Eagles fans; it was time for B-West to hang up his hat. Truly this marks the start of a new generation of players in Midnight Green. 

Hopefully the Eagles will show proper respect and hang up his #36 Jersey.