If you got a little disturbed by our potential third corner hiring Drew "next question" Rosenhaus to likely force his way out of town, then you are probably downright distraught by the news today that B West has hired a new agent and is looking to renegotiate his contract. The Inquirer reported the following today:
The Inquirer has learned that Westbrook, the team's superstar running back, has fired agent Fletcher Smith, who also represents quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Smith and the Eagles had been in negotiations for the last nine months in an attempt to upgrade the running back's current contract, which has three years remaining. It is believed Westbrook fired Smith Monday, which means he cannot officially hire a new agent until Saturday.
A source close to the situation indicated that Westbrook may end up hiring All Pro Sports & Entertainment Inc., the group that includes agents Peter Schaffer and Lamont Smith. That is the same group that represented Sheppard before he hired Rosenhaus earlier this week. Agent John Rickert is also part of the All Pro group and represents Eagles running back Correll Buckhalter, another former client of Fletcher Smith.
Westbrook, in a recent interview with The Inquirer, made some strong comments about how dissatisfied he was with his current deal.
"When I signed my contract with the Eagles 2½ years ago, they paid me for the level of play I was playing at the time," Westbrook said. "I'm not at that level no more. I'm at a higher level of play. There's no question about that. The numbers don't lie. My numbers have steadily increased from that point until now. Now, I'm at the point where I'm one of the elite backs in the NFL, and I should be compensated that way."
It's difficult to argue that point. In the two full seasons since Westbrook signed his extension, he has compiled 4,020 yards from scrimmage, including a team record 2,104 last season when he led the NFL. Only San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson has more yards from scrimmage (4,272) in the last two seasons. Westbrook wants to be paid like Tomlinson, who received an eight-year extension worth $60 million, including $21 million guaranteed, before the 2004 season.
A team source said the Eagles agree that Westbrook should be better compensated for his services over the final three years of his current deal and that they initiated the contract talks with the running back late last season.
Fletcher Smith, during an interview yesterday, confirmed that he was in negotiations with the Eagles, but he did not reveal that he had been fired by Westbrook.
"We haven't been able to come to a meeting of the minds," Smith said.
And now, another agent will take a shot at getting something done with the Eagles.
All Pro Sports & Entertainment will be the third agent representing Westbrook during his seven-year career. Anthony Agnone and Eastern Athletic Services of Hunt Valley, Md., negotiated Westbrook's rookie contract but were fired by the running back and replaced by Smith in 2005. Smith negotiated a five-year, $24.9 million contract extension for Westbrook during the 2005 season but only after the running back staged a holdout from training camp.
Asked last week if he would consider holding out from this year's training camp, Westbrook said, "to be honest with you, I don't know. I don't foresee me holding out of this training camp, but . . ."
If the friggin Eagles play hardball with Westbrook, you can pretty much kiss the season away. B West is the be all and end all of this offense. If he isn't happy and holds out, we are looking at Armageddon.
Yes, I realize I'm being fatalistic, by why not pay B West what he's worth. They have to spend all that cap space on someone, might as well spend it on their best player. Plus, I really want to enjoy the Eagles this year and not be penalized because Joe Banner and his young apprentice, Howie Roseman didn't want to destroy the integrity of their beloved salary cap.
Yes, I realize I'm being fatalistic, by why not pay B West what he's worth. They have to spend all that cap space on someone, might as well spend it on their best player. Plus, I really want to enjoy the Eagles this year and not be penalized because Joe Banner and his young apprentice, Howie Roseman didn't want to destroy the integrity of their beloved salary cap.
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By the way, I'm watching the Who "Rock Honors" special on VH1 tonight and I have to say that Baba O'Reilly is one of the top 5 rock songs ever made. This statement cannot be disputed. Every time I hear that song, I remember how much I love that song.
4 comments:
I don't think i would recognize a "Who" song? ever?
I too would pay B West, give him a big bonus, stretch the deal over 6 years and back load it. I don't see him producing for more than 3 years though, so we'll need some protection and the ability to cut him in 2011. These RBs flame out real fast. See Shuan Alexander, every Chief RB, etc.
Now, smaller guys may last a bit longer? The little guy in Atlanta had a long career, so did Tiki?
Dude, everyone knows the Who. Did you grow up under a rock? Have you ever listened to 93.3?
I'd give him a 4 yr front loaded deal. He will likely be done by the end of the 3rd year.
Bob would be so proud of you!
To quote Bob ..."Nice I knew Tony had class". Well now, I wouldn't go THAT far ;-)
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