Westbrook Tells Eagles He's Gone After This Year

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Wouldn't want to play for cheap arse Banner either. Not taking care of Westbrook shows exactly what Eagles management is about.

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Westbrook cuts off contract talks with Eagles
PHILADELPHIA -- Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook cut off contract talks with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday because the two sides are far apart on a long-term extension.



"Me and my agent have told the Eagles' management that we're no longer interested in talking to them as far as the contract situation," Westbrook said Thursday. "We don't feel as though we've received a proposal from them that really represents the value that I bring to this team and my market value. I think that in the last 2½, 3 years that I've been here, I've brought a lot to this team."

Westbrook, talking for the first time since reporting to training camp after a one-week holdout, had been seeking a long-term deal after signing a one-year restricted free agent offer for $1.43 million.

"It's just frustrating for me to come to work every day knowing that in the back of my mind I feel kind of disrespected by the offer that I continue to get from the Eagles," he said.

In his three-year career, Westbrook has rushed for 1,618 yards and 10 touchdowns and caught 119 passes for 1,121 yards and 10 TDs.

"I run the ball, I catch the ball, and for this team I am very valuable," Westbrook said. "I think any time a defense or any other team comes in here ... one of the players that they have to stop when they come play the Philadelphia Eagles is Brian Westbrook."

Westbrook skipped the Eagles' post-draft mini-camp and sat out the first week of training camp. He switched agents, from Anthony Agnone to Fletcher Smith, who also represents Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, and was looking for a five-year deal before the start of the season.

Team president Joe Banner said it was decided last Thursday there would be no more negotiations after they reached an impasse. Banner understood why Westbrook was upset, though he didn't think that sour attitude would carry onto the field.

"He still wants to be here, we still want him to be here, and in the end we think it will have a positive [resolution]," Banner said.

Westbrook said the numbers are far apart and two sides have never really come close to reaching an agreement.

"It may not be acceptable to him, but it was a significant offer," Banner said. "I think the level of disrespect, if there is any, is pretty minor."

The versatile Westbrook is coming off a breakout season in which he led the team with 1,515 total yards and was tops among NFL running backs with 73 catches for 703 yards and six touchdowns, despite sitting out the last two regular-season games. Westbrook was a key part of the Eagles' trip to the Super Bowl and caught a 10-yard touchdown pass in the 24-21 loss to the Patriots.

"I'm still going to come out here and be the best running back I can be," he said.

Team president Joe Banner was scheduled to address Westbrook's contract status after the Eagles' afternoon practice.

A third-round pick from Villanova in 2002, Westbrook feels he's been shortchanged the big bucks other premier backs get from the very start of their careers.

"I didn't get $12 million to sign, I got chump change to sign," Westbrook said. "At this point in my career, I have to find somewhere where I can make some money."

Westbrook's size -- he's generously listed at 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds in Philadelphia's media guide -- caused doubts he'd be able to handle the rigors of being a featured back.

But he missed just one game because of injury last year, with a broken rib, and missed only one regular-season game in both 2002 and 2003. He did miss the postseason two years ago with a torn triceps.

While Westbrook has never rushed for 1,000 yards, running back is not the primary option in coach Andy Reid's pass-first West Coast offense. Westbrook said he could deliver All-Pro numbers if had more carries.

Westbrook joins All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens as two of the unhappy Eagles inside the huddle. Owens also wants a new deal -- the Eagles have refused to give him one -- and created a rift with quarterback McNabb through some very public criticisms.

There are a couple of risks for Westbrook, of course. He could get hurt and the Eagles could slap the franchise tag on him at the end of the season leaving him in a similar situation next year.

Those are risks he's willing to take.

"Every time I step on the field, I'm productive," he said. "Every time I go to the bank ... I want to see the result of that. For me, my lifestyle, the things that I want to do, the things that I want to do after football, the money situation is going to affect all of that. So for me, it's personal."
http://tinyurl.com/bhbr4

[Doufer]

damn that tells me that the Eagles owner are friggin cheapskate! TO, Corey Simons, and now Westbrook.

[bronco_diesel]

Originally Posted by Bronco_Beerslug

Wouldn't want to play for cheap arse Banner either. Not taking care of Westbrook shows exactly what Eagles management is about.

-----------------------------------------------------
Westbrook cuts off contract talks with Eagles
PHILADELPHIA -- Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook cut off contract talks with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday because the two sides are far apart on a long-term extension.



"Me and my agent have told the Eagles' management that we're no longer interested in talking to them as far as the contract situation," Westbrook said Thursday. "We don't feel as though we've received a proposal from them that really represents the value that I bring to this team and my market value. I think that in the last 2½, 3 years that I've been here, I've brought a lot to this team."

Westbrook, talking for the first time since reporting to training camp after a one-week holdout, had been seeking a long-term deal after signing a one-year restricted free agent offer for $1.43 million.

"It's just frustrating for me to come to work every day knowing that in the back of my mind I feel kind of disrespected by the offer that I continue to get from the Eagles," he said.

In his three-year career, Westbrook has rushed for 1,618 yards and 10 touchdowns and caught 119 passes for 1,121 yards and 10 TDs.

"I run the ball, I catch the ball, and for this team I am very valuable," Westbrook said. "I think any time a defense or any other team comes in here ... one of the players that they have to stop when they come play the Philadelphia Eagles is Brian Westbrook."

Westbrook skipped the Eagles' post-draft mini-camp and sat out the first week of training camp. He switched agents, from Anthony Agnone to Fletcher Smith, who also represents Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, and was looking for a five-year deal before the start of the season.

Team president Joe Banner said it was decided last Thursday there would be no more negotiations after they reached an impasse. Banner understood why Westbrook was upset, though he didn't think that sour attitude would carry onto the field.

"He still wants to be here, we still want him to be here, and in the end we think it will have a positive [resolution]," Banner said.

Westbrook said the numbers are far apart and two sides have never really come close to reaching an agreement.

"It may not be acceptable to him, but it was a significant offer," Banner said. "I think the level of disrespect, if there is any, is pretty minor."

The versatile Westbrook is coming off a breakout season in which he led the team with 1,515 total yards and was tops among NFL running backs with 73 catches for 703 yards and six touchdowns, despite sitting out the last two regular-season games. Westbrook was a key part of the Eagles' trip to the Super Bowl and caught a 10-yard touchdown pass in the 24-21 loss to the Patriots.

"I'm still going to come out here and be the best running back I can be," he said.

Team president Joe Banner was scheduled to address Westbrook's contract status after the Eagles' afternoon practice.

A third-round pick from Villanova in 2002, Westbrook feels he's been shortchanged the big bucks other premier backs get from the very start of their careers.

"I didn't get $12 million to sign, I got chump change to sign," Westbrook said. "At this point in my career, I have to find somewhere where I can make some money."

Westbrook's size -- he's generously listed at 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds in Philadelphia's media guide -- caused doubts he'd be able to handle the rigors of being a featured back.

But he missed just one game because of injury last year, with a broken rib, and missed only one regular-season game in both 2002 and 2003. He did miss the postseason two years ago with a torn triceps.

While Westbrook has never rushed for 1,000 yards, running back is not the primary option in coach Andy Reid's pass-first West Coast offense. Westbrook said he could deliver All-Pro numbers if had more carries.

Westbrook joins All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens as two of the unhappy Eagles inside the huddle. Owens also wants a new deal -- the Eagles have refused to give him one -- and created a rift with quarterback McNabb through some very public criticisms.

There are a couple of risks for Westbrook, of course. He could get hurt and the Eagles could slap the franchise tag on him at the end of the season leaving him in a similar situation next year.

Those are risks he's willing to take.

"Every time I step on the field, I'm productive," he said. "Every time I go to the bank ... I want to see the result of that. For me, my lifestyle, the things that I want to do, the things that I want to do after football, the money situation is going to affect all of that. So for me, it's personal."
http://tinyurl.com/bhbr4

i still find it ridiculous that these guys make millions to play a game and yet they moan about how they are treated? give me a freakin break...they are treated like gods and many of them see more money in one season than a lot of people will in a lifetime.

[2KBack]

I have zero problem with Westbrook seeking more money elsewhere, he is probably the single most important player on the Eagles offense outside of Mcnabb. If they aren't willing to pay him what he is worth to them, they don't deserve to have him.

[Bronx33]

Originally Posted by bronco_diesel

i still find it ridiculous that these guys make millions to play a game and yet they moan about how they are treated? give me a freakin break...they are treated like gods and many of them see more money in one season than a lot of people will in a lifetime.

You can credit piles of poop like TO for this attitude.......

[ludo21]

Originally Posted by Bronx33

You can credit piles of poop like TO for this attitude.......

not just TO, a ton of players in the NFL have "me first" attitudes. TO is the probably the worst one of them all, but to name just TO is ludicrous, this happens every year.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Originally Posted by 2KBack

I have zero problem with Westbrook seeking more money elsewhere, he is probably the single most important player on the Eagles offense outside of Mcnabb. If they aren't willing to pay him what he is worth to them, they don't deserve to have him.

I don't fault him either. He's in his last year. It's not like the guy is a cancer or anything. Eagles better plan on spending some draft choices on 2 or 3 backs because trying to replace Westbrook's contributions wont be easy.

And for this year it just adds more pissed off players on the roster.

[GreatBronco16]

"Every time I step on the field, I'm productive," he said. "Every time I go to the bank ... I want to see the result of that.

You know, I'd like to hold a football and get paid millions too. It must really suck to go to the bank and see a few millions sitting in there. I guess he has a family he has to feed too.

[ozomulsion]

Originally Posted by bronco_diesel

i still find it ridiculous that these guys make millions to play a game and yet they moan about how they are treated? give me a freakin break...they are treated like gods and many of them see more money in one season than a lot of people will in a lifetime.

So Westbrook should play for far under market value because of this? Give me a friggen break. The Eagles are making a HUGE mistake.

[ludo21]

Originally Posted by ozomulsion

So Westbrook should play for far under market value because of this? Give me a friggen break. The Eagles are making a HUGE mistake.

I agree, but they refuse to pay up. Thats been their motto all offseason, and now their in a bine caz if they pay WEstbrook what he is worth, TO will be pissed and he will bounce off the wall yet again.

Quite the sticky situation. Sux for them.

Im glad we got class guys on this team from the top to the bottom.

[GreatBronco16]

Originally Posted by ozomulsion

So Westbrook should play for far under market value because of this? Give me a friggen break. The Eagles are making a HUGE mistake.

And what is fair market value? The value that is being pushed up because of other greedy players? Or something fair for him and the team(any team)

To me, I would say he is worth 2.5-3 million a year tops. But that is just my opinion.

[Bronx33]

Originally Posted by ludo21

not just TO, a ton of players in the NFL have "me first" attitudes. TO is the probably the worst one of them all, but to name just TO is ludicrous, this happens every year.

I didn't just name TO, it reads (piles of poop LIKE TO)

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Originally Posted by Bronx33

I didn't just name TO, it read (piles of poop LIKE TO)

So, just the players are piles of poop and none of the teams aren't?
Remember this IS the system that management is happy with and they DO expect players to ask for more money AND holdout. And the teams can sh*tcan any player, anytime, for any reason.

[Crushaholic]

There must be something in the water that makes the Eagles players do this...

[ozomulsion]

Originally Posted by GreatBronco16

And what is fair market value? The value that is being pushed up because of other greedy players? Or something fair for him and the team(any team)

To me, I would say he is worth 2.5-3 million a year tops. But that is just my opinion.

How about you educate yourself on how the Eagles made it all the way to the Superbowl and multiple NFC championship games without T.O. Then tell me he's only worth 2.5 to 3 mil a year.

[GreatBronco16]

Originally Posted by ozomulsion

How about you educate yourself on how the Eagles made it all the way to the Superbowl and multiple NFC championship games without T.O. Then tell me he's only worth 2.5 to 3 mil a year.

Dude take a and calm down. Westbrook isn't the only reason why they have done what they have done. And yes, I believe 2.5-3 million a year is all he is worth. Now if a team wants to offer him more then sobeit, that is their problem. But my opinion is that he is worth 2.5-3 million a year.

[2KBack]

I don't see how this is anything like TO, or a lot of the more head scratching Holdouts. Westbrook is playing his contract, but wants an extension, it looks like he isn't being offered what he is worth. So he is out when his contract is up. I don't see how this shows him having some terrible attitude. Testing free agency doesn't sound like it was his first option, but if the eagles are gonna low-ball him, more power to him. I hope he goes somewhere that will appreciate and reward his skills.

[GreatBronco16]

Originally Posted by 2KBack

I don't see how this is anything like TO, or a lot of the more head scratching Holdouts. Westbrook is playing his contract, but wants an extension, it looks like he isn't being offered what he is worth. So he is out when his contract is up. I don't see how this shows him having some terrible attitude. Testing free agency doesn't sound like it was his first option, but if the eagles are gonna low-ball him, more power to him. I hope he goes somewhere that will appreciate and reward his skills.

Hey I agree. He hasn't been a problem at all with the Eagles. But what exactly is he worth? How do you deceide what he is worth? He is a RB that hasn't had a 1000 yard rushing season, but he does other things in the receiving game to kinda make up for it. But is that all him, or is it the scheme that is run in Philly. I still think 3 million a year tops is fair for him. Now ofcourse the signing bonus is another issue. I would say 3 million a year for 6 years with a 15 million signing bonus is more than fair. So even if the team cut him after one year, he would get 18 million for that year. Not to count workout bonuses and what have you.

[Bronx33]

Originally Posted by Bronco_Beerslug

So, just the players are piles of poop and none of the teams aren't?
Remember this IS the system that management is happy with and they DO expect players to ask for more money AND holdout. And the teams can sh*tcan any player, anytime, for any reason.

My point is why would a player start this kinda cr@p before the season starts? it has to affect the team somehow like is he going to play 100% is he a team player? well no why because he anounces prior to the season he will not return the following year.Why the he11 can't these guys just wait till next year to drop these bombs? greed kinda gets in the way of common decency to his fellow players and not the mention the fans who spent cash on jerseys with his name on it.

[2KBack]

Originally Posted by GreatBronco16

Hey I agree. He hasn't been a problem at all with the Eagles. But what exactly is he worth? How do you deceide what he is worth? He is a RB that hasn't had a 1000 yard rushing season, but he does other things in the receiving game to kinda make up for it. But is that all him, or is it the scheme that is run in Philly. I still think 3 million a year tops is fair for him. Now ofcourse the signing bonus is another issue. I would say 3 million a year for 6 years with a 15 million signing bonus is more than fair. So even if the team cut him after one year, he would get 18 million for that year. Not to count workout bonuses and what have you.

I see where you are coming from. The article didn't have any numbers to consider though, so I guess it's hard to argue what he thinks he is worth without knowing what was offered. It did say that he is making like 1.5 mil this season though, and that below even what you think he is worth.

[-Slap-]

I hope Andy tells this undersized, injury prone, glorified third down back to go piss up a rope.

[GreatBronco16]

Originally Posted by 2KBack

I see where you are coming from. The article didn't have any numbers to consider though, so I guess it's hard to argue what he thinks he is worth without knowing what was offered. It did say that he is making like 1.5 mil this season though, and that below even what you think he is worth.

Exactly. I'd like to know exactly what he is turning down.

[ozomulsion]

Originally Posted by GreatBronco16

Dude take a and calm down. Westbrook isn't the only reason why they have done what they have done. And yes, I believe 2.5-3 million a year is all he is worth. Now if a team wants to offer him more then sobeit, that is their problem. But my opinion is that he is worth 2.5-3 million a year.

It's all good bro. I do believe Westbrook was the only player, in the 2000's to have a TD receiving, rushing and returning. If not last year, it was the year before.

[GreatBronco16]

Originally Posted by ozomulsion

It's all good bro. I do believe Westbrook was the only player, in the 2000's to have a TD receiving, rushing and returning. If not last year, it was the year before.

Man, that must have been a long toke.

[ozomulsion]

Originally Posted by GreatBronco16

Man, that must have been a long toke.

Believe it or not, I'm not the a-hole I come off as. And no, I didn't take a toke but I'm about to.