Former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook has signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
Westbrook has been looking to find a job, visiting several teams in recent months. Westbrook had spent his entire eight-year career in Philadelphia but was released in the offseason after injuries limited him to just eight games in 2009.
The 49ers' 2009 third-round pick, running back Glen Coffee, abruptly retired over the weekend. Coffee was expected to compete with Anthony Dixon and Michael Robinson for the backup job to starter Frank Gore. Coffee told the 49ers he no longer wanted to play football.
Westbrook is a two-time Pro Bowler and at the height of his career was considered one of the best all-around backs in football. However, he struggled with multiple concussions in recent years and the Eagles decided to move on.
Westbrook led the NFL with 2,104 yards from scrimmage in 2007, but missed eight games last season with a pair of concussions and an ankle injury while scoring only two touchdowns.
The 30-year old passed a physical on a visit to St. Louis earlier this offseason. As recently as Saturday, the Rams denied reports they were close to a deal with Westbrook.
Westbrook also visited the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos during the course of the summer.
The move makes sense after Glen Coffee retired. Westbrook isn't what he used be, and while he should be the RB2 on the 49ers, he'll still have Michael Robinson and Anthony Dixon around. He's an injury risk at age 30 as well so don't have high expectations he'll be a major fantasy contributor this year.
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