If … Brian Westbrook is healthy and can do the things he used to do and is willing to be less than a full-time back … then the Redskins would be wise to sign him.
However, that’s one big if. And, not to mention, a lot of them.
Recommended Stories
That’s why we’re dubious about the Redskins desire to sign the former Philadelphia standout. Could this just be a favor to Westbrook? After all, he’s scheduled to appear at an event at Spingarn High School on Wednesday night with … Redskins general manager Bruce Allen.
Nonetheless, Washington will entertain the DeMatha grad, and brother of Redskins corner Byron, on Wednesday. Which says one thing, if it’s serious: The Redskins know they need to find a legitimate third-down back. Even if Clinton Portis can do most of what’s needed — great blocker, OK receiver — the Redskins would be smart to limit how much he does. And neither Larry Johnson nor Willie Parker qualifies as a third-down back.
Westbrook does, though he also is coming off yet another injury-filled season. In the past, he could fight through some of them, but last year a concussion and knee and ankle woes limited him to eight games. He has already passed one physical this offseason, with St. Louis.
“He’s a great competitor and he doesn’t want to end his career from an injury,” Byron Westbrook said. “Obviously he’s 30 and in the NFL that’s a bad age for running backs. But he has a lot left.”
Westbrook has gained 9,785 yards from scrimmage in his career. He also has 426 career receptions (he had 54 two years ago and 90 the year before that). But would he settle for such a reduced role?
“I haven’t talked to him about it,” Byron Westbrook said. “None of the backs on our team, if we did add him, would just settle for a role like that. He’d want a couple carries in a game on first or second down.”
The Redskins could use someone like him. But, like with most of their backs, they need what he used to do a few years ago. Now? It’s a tough sell.
