Make Him Happy - Thursday, July 24, 2008
269 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   Everyone, from Donovan McNabb to Andy Reid to the folks sitting in the upper end zone seats, is expecting Brian Westbrook to show up at Eagles training camp in Lehigh today. Even though Westbrook held out a few years ago when he was unhappy with his contract, this is a different time, and it would appear as if the team understands the need to revise his compensation package.

   That's the good news.

   The bad news is that while Westbrook goes through drills, he won't be the happiest guy around. He sees players like LaDainian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson making more money than he is and gets a little sour in the stomach. After what he has meant to the Eagles, especially these past two seasons, Westbrook is entitled to enhanced compensation. It's clear he deserves it, but the team is understandably wary about going too far.

   Westbrook has been an Eagle for six years and is heading toward the danger zone when it comes to running backs, particularly those who are undersized. In a couple more years, it's possible his knees will be creaky, the result of too much work and too many surgeries. Plus, 30 is the magic age for backs. Try to find many who are making significant contributions on the other side of that milestone. It isn't easy.

   Only one back -- Tom Woodeshick -- among the Eagles' top 20 career rushers played more than eight seasons, and Woody lasted nine. That means history tells us Westbrook's shelf life is limited and that giving him an extension through the 2013 season would be bad business. Then again, trying to shortchange one of the NFL's most important weapons would be unwise, too.

   The solution is a compromise. Give Westbrook a new contract, but front-load it over the next couple seasons. Give him a signing bonus now. Give him a roster bonus next year. Up his annual compensation from $4.7 million to $6 mil or so. Make sure he knows you love him without putting a burden on the salary cap after 2010 for a player at a position that doesn't engender longevity.

   Westbrook will be in camp today, ready to work. It's up to the Eagles to make him smile. Let's hope they're smart enough to do it, and Westbrook is wise enough to understand the realities of his position.