EAGLES SIGN FULLBACK WEAVER
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
EAGLES SIGN FULLBACK WEAVER
Bob Brookover
Weaver, who had spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, received a one-year deal. Lewis said the deal could be worth as much as $2.5 million.
"I looked at Philly as a great opportunity to play for a team that really needed somebody at my position," Weaver said during a conference call today.
Though Weaver had targeted Philadelphia as the place he wanted to be even before the start of free agency, it took three weeks for him to sign and there was a time period where it looked as if he might go elsewhere.
"We had several teams after us, but my agent called me last night and said Philadelphia was ready to do it, so now I'm here and I'm excited about it," Weaver said.
Lewis said Weaver had also received interest and even multi-year offers from other teams. Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Houston and Seattle had all expressed interest, Lewis said, but the agent and Weaver decided the Eagles were the best fit.
"When you look at the Eagles' fullback situation, they haven't had a true fullback since Jon Ritchie," Lewis said. "Leonard is not a one-dimensional fullback. He's a guy who can catch the ball, run the ball and block. He's a perfect fit for that offense. This is a team that was one game away from playing in the Super Bowl and a guy like Leonard might make the difference. That's why he chose Philadelphia."
Lewis said the hope is that Weaver, 26, will perform so well that the Eagles will want to extend his contract by the middle of next season.
"Once they see what they have, I think they'll want the opportunity to sign him to a long-term deal and, if not, he'll be a free agent again," Lewis said. "But I believe he'll be buying a home in Philadelphia. He's a solid, solid football player."
Lewis had 80 career carries 356 yards and one touchdowns in three seasons with the Seahawks. He missed the 2006 season because of injury. He also has 60 career catches for 547 yards and two touchdowns.
"I felt like ever since I came into the league I was an offensive weapon," Weaver said. "I pride myself on being versatile."
Weaver said he felt that versatility may have hurt him on the free-agent market because teams didn't know whether the 6-foot, 242-pounder was a fullback or a running back.
"I call myself a fullback," Weaver said. "I'm a guy who can block. I can go into a hole and hit people and I can go into a hole and run the football. I'm going to come in and do what they ask me to do. I'm looking to come in and lead block and open up some holes for (Brian) Westbrook. If they decide to give me the ball, that's a blessing. If not, you won't hear a word come out of my mouth."
5isaking is a moron,I'll take Westbrook over 90% of the rbs in the league.just shut up5— bdawkisgod- This just shows the the media has NO IDEA what there talking about! They got everyone riled up about Weaver not coming here and everyone said that the Eagles are to cheap to sign him, The media also said that McNabb wants a new contract even know he never said that and they also said that Reid and Banner have a riff. They just make up anything they want and say it's a "confidential source" it's really sad.. It's just a ploy to sell more papers.— luke5513
- glad to see all the "experts" happy,, at least for now anyway.— osi is hurt boohoo
- I am glad they are placing a priority in getting some blocking help for Westbrook. This will help on the third and short situations. Good pick up!— Bobphxville
- 1 year deal 6 year deal, does it matter? We all know every contract will be cut when the team doesn't want a player anymore. It does matter if the team ends up with a very good player and then has to fight with other teams in free agency. Which I think the Safety Jones and Weaver will be players the Eagles want to keep long term.— phillyfanEugene
- They didn't sign the guy to multi year contracts... Why?I hope he turns out to be another Turner for us. He will help if he lives up to the hype. Now we can focus on the draft. I believe the Eagles will trade to either move up or get a proven WR.Don't be surprise if they get Crabtree instead of getting Anquan. With that and a young RB to help Westbrook we would be good on the O side— Tejayanie
- I love his attitude "If they decide to give me the ball, that's a blessing. If not, you won't hear a word come out of my mouth." I'm glad they finally got this deal done, hopefully he'll be around for a few seasons— pitzdidg
- We'll see if he's a good blocker. The Eagles are still looking for that Tom Rathman type fullback..— MJPD345
- Good move 'Nickles' Banner ! Fill one need on offense at a time. Sleep well knowing knowing you spent some of Lurie's billions.— Gringo4
- Only thing I can fathom on the one year contracts is the potential contract issues between owners and the union. Regardless, with the team needing to spend money just to reach the floor, their apparent reluctance to be more aggressive with their contracts is perplexing.— Koulet
- They are signing one year contracts because there might not be a salary cap in 2010— albanykey
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- I guess Weaver is good enough for this offense. It took a little time to make this decision while we all speculated he couldnt block very well. They're not done yet. I know Andy will get his O-Line ready to go. Another thing I know is that all of those IDIOTS/MORONS who called this team cheap has ABSOLUTLY no idea of what it takes to be smart and creditable football fan like most of us Philadelphia Fans.— bigphillydad
- He averaged two catches and two rushes a game at Seattle over the last two years. So it looks like he's signed to open holes for Westbrook and whoever his backup will be.— Bob1
