Scouts Buzz: Tough to determine if Westbrook deserves new deal

Typically, 29-year-old running backs don't merit a big investment from NFL teams. But what would teams do when that same RB led the league in total offense the past two seasons?

That is the dilemma facing the Philadelphia Eagles as Brian Westbrook contemplates sitting out training camp. The two-time Pro Bowler has averaged over 2,010 yards from scrimmage as the Eagles' top weapon in 2006 and 2007, and would like to see his contract reflect his new status as one of the top offensive players in the league.

Westbrook, who is in the middle of a five-year contract extension valued at $25.5 million, reportedly wants a contact that is in line with the $60 million contract inked by LaDainian Tomlinson four years ago. With Tomlinson's deal featuring $21 million in guaranteed money, Westbrook is reportedly looking for a deal that includes $30 million in guarantees from the Eagles. With Westbrook pressing for a big money contract, league officials believe the Eagles should pause before rewarding the ultra-productive back with a fat contract.

"Although he has put up big numbers for them, he is still a risky long-term proposition due to his size (5-foot-10, 203 pounds) and age," said an AFC personnel executive. "He is in the middle of a solid deal, and I would be reluctant to offer him a significant increase."

History shows that running backs fall off dramatically after turning 30, with former league MVP Shaun Alexander the most recent example. The Eagles would be wise to weigh that fact when deciding whether to appease Westbrook by appreciably improving his current contract. Despite his outstanding production over the past two seasons, Westbrook's workload and injury history (he has never completed a full season) makes it unlikely he can sustain his current pace over the next few years. "He can't shoulder the load," said an AFC scout. "When he has carried the load in the past, he has gotten hurt. The problem with paying him front-line money is that he can't give you the workload to justify that kind of compensation."

As the focal point of the Eagles' offense, Westbrook has led the Eagles in rushing yards and receptions in each of the past three seasons. Though he has been knocked for being a smaller back, he has averaged more yards per carry (4.7) than explosive runners Tomlinson (4.5) and Larry Johnson (4.5); and his 301 receptions since 2004 lead all running backs during that span. Westbrook has also put together back-to-back seasons with over 1,200 rushing yards while carrying the ball less than 240 times in each season.

Thus, the Eagles' offense faces a potential crisis with Westbrook contemplating holding out of training camp. Backups Lorenzo Booker, Correll Buckhalter and Tony Hunt possess some of Westbrook's skills, but they are unable to match the high level of versatility Westbrook provides when he is on the field. "They have attempted to find a suitable replacement for him for years," said an AFC scout. "But none of their current backups are close to his level."

The Eagles are in serious trouble if Westbrook's contract situation causes him to miss significant time in training camp. While five-time Pro Bowler Donovan McNabb has carried the Eagles' offense in the past, the increased reliance on Westbrook and the lack of explosive weapons at the other skill positions makes it unlikely that McNabb would be able to replicate that kind of offensive production with the team's ultimate playmaker out of the lineup. The lack of a true No. 1 receiver, coupled with the absence of Westbrook, would make it difficult for the Eagles to consistently move the ball. The Eagles need to somehow appease Westbrook while making a sound financial decision.

"He deserves to be compensated at a higher level," said an AFC personnel director. "But not to the level that he has requested."

When asked for a way to satisfy both parties, league officials pointed to the Redskins' handling of Clinton Portis' deal as a possible solution. Portis had the last three years of his contract guaranteed, and received a signing bonus ($9.3 million) as part of a restructured deal. If the Eagles chose to follow the Redskins' path, it would cost them roughly $11 million to guarantee the remaining salaries on Westbrook's contract, plus any additional money included as a possible signing bonus.