Posted by Josh Katzowitz Brian Westbrook landed with the San Francisco 49ers today for a couple different reasons. He wants to win. He wants to get paid (I assume). And he wants somebody else to help him carry the running back load.
He told the 49ers media that he’s still an every-down back. But as he prepares for his ninth season – and his first year without the Eagles – he’s not expecting to start in place of Frank Gore. In fact, he’s OK with that. That's partially why he chose to sign with San Francisco.
“Frank’s the man,” Westbrook said during tonight’s news conference. “He’s done tremendous things in the past. I’ve respected his game from afar. I’ve studied him an awful lot. I’m going to go and push him as much as I can and help him as much as I can. Of course, he’ll be the starter, and I’ll be the guy behind him pushing him.”
The 49ers almost came out of nowhere to sign Westbrook, who actually was offered more money from the Rams. The Redskins also showed interest in securing the two-time Pro Bowler.
But ultimately he chose San Francisco.
“I add a lot of value to this football team,” Westbrook said. “Offensively, you’ve got Vernon (Davis), (Michael) Crabtree, (Ted) Ginn, Alex Smith – a young quarterback who has a lot of weapons around him. You add to that me and Frank Gore, a very talented running back, and we’re going to be a hard offense for a team to stop.”
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