Eagles let Westbrook go. (Why NFL contracts are different than other sports)
As reported in the NY Times, the Eagles released Brian Westbrook after 8 seasons. Apparently his body is breaking down and the Eagles don't think he is going to be a productive in the future as he was in the past. Probably a reasonable conclusion.
But he spent much of last season on the sidelines. Westbrook missed eight games with a pair of concussions and an ankle injury. Westbrook had only two touchdowns in 2009.
But doesn't he have a contract, you might ask? Don't they still have to pay him? Not so, in the NFL:
He was due $7.25 million next season.
You see, in the NFL they only pay you if you are on the team. If the release you, then they don't have to pay you. Sure puts an interesting light on all the reports on the "value" of NFL player contracts. 5 years at $5 million per year is reported as a "$25 million contract". But the reality is, besides any bonus money paid up front, there is nothing guaranteed by these contracts.
Jeff Lurie, the Eagles owner said this:
''Brian Westbrook is one of the most electrifying players in the history of this franchise and is certainly also one of the most popular,'' Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said. ''He was personally one of the my favorite players to watch each and every Sunday and his playmaking abilities, leadership and values will be missed.''
Loosely translated that means, "I like the guy, but I am not paying him $7m next year. Don't let the door hit you on the way out."
Sure wish the NBA had that kind of deal. Then the Knicks could dump Eddy Curry like the Eagles dumped Westbrook.
