Does anyone else hold their breathe every time Westbrook gets tackled?

On the same day that Philly.com reported that Brian Westbrook underwent surgery on his left knee, free agent RB Derrick Ward signed a 4 year, $17 million contract with the Tampa Bay Bucs.   Less than a week into free agency we’ve learned our near 30 year old RB will be coming off of surgery, our backup RB left for Denver, and our options to provide some insurance are fading fast.

First off, let’s talk about Westbrook’s srugery.  Westbrook’s agent claims his client is fine.

Agent Todd France told the Daily News today that Eagles running back Brian Westbrook did indeed have a minor arthroscopic procedure on his left knee, more than a month ago. Asked if Westbrook would be fine for minicamps, France said: “He’s already fine. This was a long time ago. It was basically just a cleanup.”

Continue reading about the Eagles depth issues at RB heading into 2009

Albert Haynesworth will now have to opportunity to stomp on Andre Gurode head twice a season

Only 16 hours into Free Agency, there have already been a few big moves.  Most notably, NFC East rival Redskins have been extremely aggressive (nothing new there), signing DT Albert Haynesworth to a $100mil contract as well as re-signing CB DeAngelo Hall.  Both moves are risky, and it sure looks like the Skins are going to get burnt again.

One of the biggest moves on the day wasn’t even a Free Agent signing, but the trade of Kellen Winslow Jr. from Cleveland to Tampa Bay.  Winslow is a hot-head (aka f*#kin soldier), but a stud at TE who I wouldn’t have minded picking up.  We will see what the Bucs ended up trading for him.

Eagles Free Agent Updates:

• L.J. Smith -The National Football Post is reporting that L.J. Smith is expected to sign with the Atlanta Falcons.  The Falcon’s starting TE from last year, Justin Peele, is also a free agent.  Smith may have found one of the few teams in the NFL where he is an upgrade.
• Derrick Ward - The rumor mill (610 WIP) is stating that Ward will be visiting with the Eagles today, but now Howard “The Burger King” Eskin is stating that the Eagles have “no interest” in Ward.  When it comes to the Eagles, in many cases  with the Birds free agent visit = free agent signing, so we’ll see if he actually visits.  I think Ward would make a nice complement to West, check out our stance on Ward and all the other Free Agent Running backs in the Free Agent Running Back Profile post.
• Brian Dawkins - B Dawk is currently on his way to Denver to meet with Bronco’s officials.  If Banner and the Eagles don’t step up their bidding, we may end up losing Dawkins.  And if that happens, you won’t be seeing many Eagles related posts on Sports On Broad in ‘09.
• Braylon Edwards - Although not a free agent, Eric Mangini and the new management in Cleveland look to be rebuilding, as evidence by the Winslow trade.  Edwards has the potential to be one of the best WRs in the NFL period, and I would be geeked to trade for him.  Make it happen!
• Sean Considine - Expected to visit with the Jaguars in the next couple days.  Good luck Jacksonville.
• Anotonio Smith - There were some reports this morning that the Eagles were going to bring in Smith for a visit, but so far no visit has been scheduled and I’d be surprised if one happened.  With all of the DE’s the Eagles have, bringing in another one would be like the Phillies replacing Pat Burrell with another left handed bat….Oh wait.

The Buckhalter Flight School has long been closed

In the NFL, Running Backs have to strike while the iron’s hot.  Their careers are among the shortest of any position due to the constant beating they take from larger defenders.  Generally speaking, once an RB hits 30 it’s all downhill from there.

As RBs look to cash in during Free Agency, the Eagles have a glaring need at backup RB and need to bolster their depth by any means necessary.

There are a number of Running Backs who could help the Eagles’ offense improve and provide Donovan with the additional playmakers he’s been crying about.

Check out the full list of Running Backs available in Free Agency