Are the Eagles in the Market for a RB?

With rumors flying that Brian Westbrook–the Eagles’ starting Running Back–is likely to miss the remainder of the season because of a second concussion he suffered on Sunday vs. the Chargers, speculation has begun regarding the possibility that the organization is searching the free agent market in hopes of acquiring a replacement starter at the RB position. Of course, we’ve seen plenty of potential deals and possible signings come into the Philadelphia franchise as rumors and leave as nothing but gossip, such as the team’s reported interest in former Chiefs’ Pro-Bowl runner Larry Johnson. Interestingly enough, Johnson has been mentioned quite frequently around the Eagles as of late, obviously because of Westbrook’s recent injury to what was his already-painful head. Now before you scamper away from this article in fear of another pointless rumor thread, take a gander at why the Eagles will and will not add another RB, and if so, who it might be:

Why the Eagles will sign a Running Back

• Westbrook has overcome many injuries during his career, but the 8th-year player has really taken a beating this season, and a majority of signs point to the veteran not being able to play significantly–if at all–for the rest of the year. He has dealt with offseason surgeries, a twisted ankle, a pair of concussions, and overall has been absent from three of the Eagles’ games. It is almost guaranteed he will be sitting out Week 11, and the franchise clearly does not want to risk his health, therefore keeping Westbrook on the sidelines for a good chunk of games (or perhaps the rest of the season, as stated previously).
• Although rookie backup LeSean McCoy has shown promise as a starter and has exceptional speed and ability, it might be difficult for a freshman player like McCoy to handle a full-time workload, especially in the way that the Eagles like to utilize their Running Backs (in both the rushing and passing game, and often). It is likely necessary for the young back to have some veteran support and relief from a quality, proven starter.
• There are several capable runners on the free agent market, and almost all of them are desperate to play, as they should be. Of course, one could argue that if the free agents available were that great, why wouldn’t they be on a roster right now? That is a viable question, but many of the league’s teams are satisfied with younger, more explosive ball carriers these days. There is undoubtedly a handful of players the Eagles have the ability to sign and place in a contributing role, even this late in the season.

Why the Eagles will not sign a Running Back

• Head coach Andy Reid has already hinted that McCoy and versatile FB Leonard Weaver will share the primary workload at the Running Back position while Westbrook is gone. And as we’ve seen before, Weaver can take hand-offs and produce sufficiently for the offense. It doesn’t seem likely the front office will go out and spend money on a new player when they have two capable guys to fill the position with success.
• The Eagles’ offensive line may be the bigger question here. Although the absence of Brian Westbrook will not be a good one, it is fair to place some of the failure of the running game on the offensive line’s shoulders. They have not played consistently on running plays all year, and it makes one think…even if the Birds would make a move and bring in a talented free agent, how would the results be any different with an unsteady offensive front, whose responsibility is to open holes and opportunities for the team’s runners.

Potential Candidates Who Might Land in Philadelphia

• Larry Johnson: Johnson may not be the most likely suggestion, as he is reportedly close to finalizing a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, but the former Chief and 2-time Pro-Bowler might be one of the top RBs on the list of “potential signings”. The main downside to acquiring a player like the 7th-year veteran is his tendency to provoke controversy within organizations. He was known well for starting arguments and disagreements in Kansas City, but then again, it was Kansas City, a franchise who managed to reach the playoffs once in Johnson’s tenure as a Chief.
• Warrick Dunn: This is the second time that Dunn has been listed as a rumored signing of the Eagles, the first occurring back in the offseason when Westbrook’s health was in question. There may be more truth to the potential deal now, however, with the severity of #36’s injury. Dunn may not seem like a great choice because of his age (34), but the veteran runner still possesses the ability to carry the ball on a regular basis. In only 6 starts last season for the Buccaneers, the 14th-year back gained 786 yards and 2 touchdowns, and was also able to add 47 catches for 330 yards.
• Edgerrin James (pictured, #32): The only RB listed thus far who has played in the 2009 season, James is a strong-willed former Rookie of the Year who is best known for his 7-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts, but remains a decent option as a relief/reserve-type player. It might be far-fetched to say he has the talent to compete as a starting Running Back this year, but he does bring veteran knowledge and wisdom along with his ability to pick up necessary gains on short-yard situations. James spent 7 games with the Seahawks this season, but was released earlier in the month because of roster unavailability and a decrease in playing time.
• Nick Goings: This name may sound a bit awkward in a list filled with former superstars, but Goings is perhaps one of the most under-rated free agent RBs available, and because of his likely cheap price tag, the Eagles may take shot with him. At 6′0″ and 225 lbs., Goings has nice size to be a powerful short-yardage back who has the ability to take regular hand-offs as well. Once a quality starter for the Carolina Panthers, the 9th-year player saw his playing time drop significantly with the addition of other backs to the Panthers’ roster. However, he is a capable runner and certainly a low-risk signing because of his decreased money value.

Again, these reasons and suggestions can not be taken seriously unless some serious negotiations arouse between the team and some unemployed rusher, but the idea of solidifying what has become a likely thin RB position is definitely intriguing.

(picture source)