By: Tyler Ward
The 49ers announced Monday that they had signed ex-Eagle running back Brian Westbrook to a one-year contract. A source said the contract is worth approximately $1.25 million with another $1.25 million coming in incentives.
Westbrook had spent his entire career with Philadelphia since being drafted in the third round in 2002. Westbrook was cut by the Eagles after the 2009 season, after being limited to only eight games. He had reportedly received interest from Denver, Washington, and St. Louis.
The all-purpose running back immediately brings playoff experience to the 49ers, who have made only one playoff appearance since Westbrook entered the league in 2002. Meanwhile, in that same span, the Eagles have made the playoffs six times, with four appearances in the conference championship - however, they only made the Super Bowl once, losing to the New England Patriots in 2004. Westbrook is now the fourth ex-Eagle on the 49ers roster, joining LB Takeo Spikes, CB Will James, and S Michael Lewis.
The addition of Westbrook now makes the 49ers have one of the best backfield duos in the league. They lost Glen Coffee a few days ago, who abruptly announced his retirement and said that he didn't want to play football anymore. Westbrook is expected to beat out Michael Robinson and rookie Anthony Dixon for the back-up job behind Frank Gore.
Westbrook played collegiately at Villanova, and many considered him to be one of the best players of all-time in NCAA Division I-AA football history. He won the Walter Payton Award in 2001, which is annually given to the "best" player in Division I-AA.
For his NFL career, Westbrook has 1,308 carries for 5,995 yards and 37 touchdowns. Through the air, he has 426 receptions for 3,790 yards and 29 touchdowns. Westbrook is also the Eagles' all-time leader in touches (1,734) and yards from scrimmage (9,785). The two-time Pro Bowler is also the only active player to have at least 25 rushing and receiving touchdowns - there are seven total in NFL history.
Westbrook played collegiately at Villanova, and many considered him to be one of the best players of all-time in NCAA Division I-AA football history. He won the Walter Payton Award in 2001, which is annually given to the "best" player in Division I-AA.
In other 49ers news, the team also announced on Monday that they have traded their 2008 first-round pick, defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer, to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2011 sixth-round pick. According to reports, Balmer left suddenly last Monday and hasn't returned since - Coach Mike Singletary said that Balmer left due to personal reasons.
Balmer was considered to be moveable after the team signed defensive end Will Tukuafu to a two-year contract. He has had a rather disappointing career thus far, registering only 19 tackles and 0 sacks in 27 games (0 starts).
The former first-round pick is entering the last year of his 3-year/$8 million contract he signed before his rookie season in 2008.
