San Francisco Signs Westbrook to 1-Year Deal

The San Francisco 49ers have signed ex-Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to a 1 year contract for $1.25 million with an additional $1.25 million in incentives.

Westbrook has been decimated with injuries lately, but has the potential to be a tremendous back up to starter Frank Gore. Westbrook was one of the best backs in the league between 2006 and 2008. He averaged 1200 yards on the ground with 8 touchdowns, and 625 yards receiving with 4 touchdowns each year during that period.

In 2009, Westbrook missed 8 games due to a pair of concussions and an ankle injury. He was released by the Eagles because they have plenty of young talent to fill his void at running back. Westbrook had been looking into backing up Steven Jackson in St. Louis or even joining the Redskins, but when 2009 3rd round draft pick Glen Coffee decided to retire last week, it was the perfect opportunity for Westbrook.

Frank Gore has been a beast for the Niners over the last few seasons, but the violence of the game can take any player out of action at any time. Having a healthy Westbrook as a back-up will give head coach Mike Singletary a little breathing room. San Francisco is expected to be a playoff contender this year, and a lot of that depends on the running back play. Gore hasn’t been quite the same running back since his 2006 season when he exploded for 1695 yards. Many defenses have keyed in on him since the Niners haven’t had much of a passing game over the last few years. However, Gore did get double-digit touchdowns for the first time in his career in 2009. Westbrook and Gore are equally as capable in terms of catching the ball. Gore caught 52 passes for over 400 yards last season, and Westbrook has been one of the best receiving backs in the league over the past 5 years.

NFL handicappers have listed the Niners as a 8-9 win team, but with the addition of Westbrook they may become a 9-10 win team that’s playoff bound. San Francisco begins their regular season on Sunday September 12th against the Seattle Seahawks. Their first pre-season game was a huge success as they hammered the Indianapolis Colts 37-17. It remains to be seen if they can keep up that pace offensively, but addition of Westbrook will do nothing but help.

Related posts:

1. NFC West Battle: San Francisco vs. Arizona
2. San Francisco starts 2010 Pre-Season against Colts
3. Monday Night Football: San Francisco vs. New Orleans
4. San Francisco vs. Tampa Bay in Battle of Division Leaders
5. 2010 NFL Predictions: San Francisco 49ers

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