Shiancoe Makes a Push For Vikings to Sign Westbrook

I have gotten some grief about my reports months ago that the Minnesota Vikings had turned their attention to running back Brian Westbrook shortly after they lost running back Chester Taylor in free agency to the Chicago Bears.

Turns out the Vikings pursued running LaDainian Tomlinson instead, with reports following that saying the Vikings staff were concerned about Westbrook’s concussion history, knees and ankles.  Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune went as far as to say the Vikings were not interested in Westbrook at all.

I respect Judd, he’s one of the best of the best in the business.

In my reports for Westbrook several months ago, I talked about Westbrook’s demands in not wanting to sign a lower-value contract.  Here is a quote from my report from March 7th:

A latest development may have changed things for both sides.  While most of the NFL “experts” around the Internet believe Westbrook is only capable of being a limited reserve who should specifically only play and practice on grass (because of concerns of his ankle), a source tells us Westbrook is looking for a starting opportunity and at this point is not looking to concede to signing a lower-value contract.

The source tells us that Westbrook would be interested in a reserve role, only if he can be guaranteed a certain role with so-and-so carries.  The Vikings do not view him much more than a third-down back, especially with his recent dealings with concussion issues.

The Vikings are certainly interested, but the cards are in the hands of Westbrook.  But the feeling right now is that Westbrook might not have the chance to even deal his hand with his current demands.

It appears Westbrook may have conceded in some areas of his “demands” since then, but money apparently was (or may still be) a priority.  As Zulgad reported, Westrbook “has received interest from St. Louis and Washington.”  But reportedly, Westbrook turned down those offers because the contract offers had to “make sense money-wise,” or in other words, the offers were not enough.

Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, who has recently been working out with Westbrook, hinted during a chat on NFL.com that Westbrook would be a good addition to the Vikings.

“We work out five days a week, and I know he [definitely] has it in him,” Shiancoe said.  ”He’s indicated to me this is the first time he’s been able to workout at 100 percent without having to worry about previous injuries.  He’s working hard, and it looks like he’s in camp shape.  His route running would [definitely] help our offense.”

So money may not be an issue for Westbrook any more.  Even if he were to accept a small role and a lower-value contract, the Vikings may not have room for him any more.

The Vikings drafted running back Toby Gerhart and recently signed running back Ryan Moats.

Shortlink: