Around the NFL: Westbrook-Watch

I remember when June 1st used to mean something. NFL teams would be desperate to defer cap hits for another year, and cutting players prior to the June 1st deadline was an effective way to do that. However, in recent years one can credit the team personnel responsible for handling the salary cap, because June 1st cuts have no longer been as prominent. This year especially was uneventful due to the current state of the league’s collective bargaining agreement, set for an uncapped year in 2010. So this year June 1st came and went with little activity. However, the NFL found other ways to keep us interested and one storyline has people in Philadelphia especially nervous.

Westbrook Injury

Eagle’s fans shuddered this week as news came out stating their star running back, Brian Westbrook, injured his ankle and could possibly miss the start of the 2009 season. Westbrook is already set to have surgery and one has to be concerned about whether or not he’ll be ready to start the season and how long it’ll take him to be fully recovered. Westbrook has never been particularly durable, missing games in almost every season of his professional career. Adding to the concern is that he’ll turn 30 in September, an age where most running backs tend to begin a steep decline in production. What this means for the Eagles is that rookie LeSean McCoy out of Pittsburgh may have to step into a starting role much sooner than previously anticipated. While it’s still very possible that Westbrook will be ready for the beginning of the season, there’s no telling what kind of impact this injury can have. Will it be something that nags him all season or will this be a forgotten headline by mid to late September? McCoy had better be ready regardless. With Westbrook’s time winding down and Andy Reid hoping to run the ball more consistently, McCoy will likely be called upon early and often.

Westbrook is electrifying when he’s on the field. On top of his physical ability, he seems to be an excellent teammate, a cerebral and patient runner, and one of the good guys in the league. The Eagles are truly contenders this season after bringing in a two-time Pro Bowler at LT and some exciting young rookies, most notably McCoy and WR Jeremy Maclin. That being said, I believe in McCoy’s ability and I think that the Eagles will still be contenders with him in the lineup. I do also believe that Westbrook’s competitive fire will win out and that you’ll see him help the Eagles this season as they try to make another run at the postseason.

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Reward for Loyalty

Arizona Cardinals SS Adrian Wilson is one of my favorite players. He’s a fiery competitor, a hard hitter, and a throwback style of safety that can still keep up with the complex coverages needed in today’s pass-happy league. A few years ago he had the opportunity go elsewhere, but he decided to extend his time with Arizona instead. He’s always said that he wants to win a Super Bowl in Arizona and I think that there’s something to be said for a player who likes to stay with one team. Maybe it’s the Dan Marino fan in me or maybe I’m just a little old school like that. As excited as I get for transactions, a big part of me smiles when I see a player extend with the team he’s been with his whole career.

This week Wilson received a five-year contract extension reportedly worth almost $40 million and including over $18 million guaranteed. I think this was a great way to say thank you to a player who’s been a true professional in this league and a team leader for the Cardinals. So congratulations Adrian Wilson! I don’t think anyone can say you didn’t earn it.

Goodbye Greg

The Dallas Cowboys cut long-time OLB/DE Greg Ellis from their roster after 11 years with the franchise. While it’s true that Ellis has been openly critical of the way the Cowboys have used him in recent years and he never seemed to be a fan of switching to OLB in their 3-4 scheme, Ellis has remained a productive and consistent part of Dallas’s defense and he’ll be sorely missed. He’s contributed at least eight sacks in five of the last six years and has had a knack for making plays. This could be a sign that Dallas is ready to move on with former first round pick Anthony Spencer, so look for him to have a decisive season in 2009.

Ellis likely has some options. The main thoughts are New England and Miami due to how well he’d fit in the schemes there; New England being the favorite. Washington has been thrown around as well though and don’t be surprised if the Saints get involved also. The Saints could have suspension issues at DE this season and throwing Ellis into the rotation as a pass rushing end could pay huge dividends as they continue to try and revamp their defense. I’d keep an eye on Kansas City as well. No matter where he winds up, I’m convinced he has a couple of solid seasons left in him.

Until next week enjoy the NBA finals!

By: Brandon Niles
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer