The Fullback Question
I don't know if free agent fullback Leonard Weaver is going to sign with the Eagles or accept a new contract with the Seattle Seahawks and, as of this morning neither does anyone else.
The Fullback Question
Bob Ford, Inquirer Sports Columnist
I don't know if free agent fullback Leonard Weaver is going to sign with the Eagles or accept a new contract with the Seattle Seahawks and, as of this morning neither does anyone else.
It would depend on what Weaver wants financially and what he wants professionally. Here's the big question if you are Leonard Weaver? Do you want to go to a football team that uses the fullback as often as folks use those 1960s air-raid shelters in their basements? If fullbacks were cans of condensed milk, they reach their expiration date in Philadelphia long before being taken off the shelf.
Here's some numbers Weaver might be considering. (Of course, none of the numbers matter as much as the numbers on the contract, but nevertheless). In his two real seasons as a regular since missing the 2006 season, Weaver carried the ball a total of 63 times in 30 games, or just about twice a game.
That's hardly overwhelming (he caught 59 passes in that span, however) and it's really not overwhelming when you consider that in the last three seasons, Eagles fullbacks have carried the ball 53 times in 48 games, or just a touch over one carry per game.
So, you're a 26-year-old, looking to go somewhere you'll get noticed, looking to get a decent payday that might lead to the next contract in which -- after getting noticed -- you have a chance to make better money.
So, that's the question for a fullback: Go to the Eagles, a good, solid football team, and disappear. Or go somewhere else and perhaps make a name for yourself. What would you do? It might be the same answer Weaver arrives at.
Some post that this man can run like a half-back. I don't know, but maybe that's the allure the FO is bringing to the table. He'll play more half-back, giving Westy more reps at receiver, prolonging his career. We already have a fullback who came in late last year.— ItalianSausage- I believe this is a bit of a referendum as to whether the Eagles are more serious about running the ball next year. They really should sign this guy!— JBP
- Hey Bob... keep up with the news. The sticking point for Weaver and the Eagles and Seahawks is that he wants to be paid like a tailback. If he signs with Philly, he'll be a tailback who's capable of playing fullback in the view sets in which they use one. Kind of like Tony Hunt, but capable of playing full back.— owumd
- I hope weaver or his agent don't read this. Not the kind of writing we need when trying to sign someone! Thanks bob— low tide
- Maybe the fullbacks in Philly disappear because over the past few years they just haven't been very good. Remember Kevin Turner? He didn't disappear. Seems since Cecil Martin these guys just haven't been worth a roster spot much less significant snaps. Maybe this guy can make some plays and stay on the field... who knows? But why only offer a 1 year deal to a 26 year old guy? I support this organization most of the time, but sometimes I just don't get it...— gscott3
- They should sign him, AND use him.— rwright611
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I have to disagree with Bob on that last statement. The Eagles have not had a really good fullback since Keith Byers.- Here is thing that bugs me about about the game plan: They want a "true" fullback, yet they don't want to utilize the run game. You use a fullback either to blow up defenders on ISO, Dives and Sweeps with the occasional touch in between (i.e. Lorenzo Neal) or you commmit to giving the FB 5-9 touches a game (i.e. Mike Alstott). If Andy really wants Weaver, then they have to give him some sort of reassurance about his place. I think it would be great. We haven't had a real Fullback since Ritchie. Cecil Martin was a joke, Taupe was alright at best and this experiment is mariginal. I like Eckel, but they won't commit.— albertpa
- Good call Bob. Also, unless the money is significantly better, why would this guy uproot and leave an offense he is familiar with for just a one year contract?— Eagles Phan in LI
- who cares...he is a scrub— SkipinWV
- I almost view this guy as a big back...I would definitely like to seem them sign him and USE him both running and passing. It would definitely free up Westbrook a little bit more....— tholler1
- Thanks for helping the cause Bob. Why don't you write a follow up article about how you think Anquan Boldin is a bad fit, and that we don't need any help at WR? Are you trying to run off quality FA's?— ematusko
- Don't get excited...Banner the bean counter and non football guy will low ball him......so he will resign with Seattle— nuggett
- How about going to a team where the QB can actually hit you with a screen in the hands so you can run with it after the catch? Shouldn't that figure into the equation, too?— Mark1npt
