ESPN NFL

By now, most of you know that Philly radio personality Howard Eskin went on a TV show Sunday and reported that Eagles running back Brian Westbrook might be forced to retire because of an injured left knee. Westbrook's '09 season was derailed by two concussions and a nagging ankle, but the left knee that had been a problem in the past was not part of the discussion.

Unless Westbrook agrees to restructure his contract -- he's owed $7.5 million next season -- there's an excellent chance that he'll be released. I'm sure the Eagles would rather host a retirement news conference to honor their former star, but as Daily News beat man Les Bowen points out, Westbrook's not the type guy to quietly walk away from the game he loves. No one in the Philly media seems to be particularly close to the sometimes brooding running back, so it's not like we're going to get a definitive response from Westbrook in the near future.

"The Brian Westbrook I know is a courageous competitor, though, and an ornery guy," writes Bowen. "To meekly shuffle off into retirement because that course fits the team's agenda? Not the guy that decided to boycott the start of training camp in 2005 without even telling his then-agent. Not the guy who denounced management from the NovaCare stage during a news conference when he was angry about his contract. I don't see Westbrook giving up on his career, at age 30, without a fight.

"I don't know what's going on with Westbrook's left knee, but I do know this: No. 36 is the only person in the Delaware Valley who has any idea whether he will retire or not. When he says it, I'll believe it. But I'm not going to hold my breath."

I agree with Les. At age 30, it's hard to imagine Westbrook walking away from the game. Eskin cited sources saying that Westbrook wouldn't be able to pass a physical for another team because of his left knee. Do I think Westbrook will be back with the Eagles next season? Nope.

But I do think he'll try to play for another team. And by the way, there's not a team in the league that has more respect for Westbrook than the New York Giants. Coach Tom Coughlin and general manager Jerry Reese love signing players they're very familiar with (see Chris Canty), so it wouldn't shock me if they were the first team to bring Westbrook in for a workout. Of course, that hinges on the Eagles releasing Westbrook. They'd rather host a retirement party for one of the best players in team history.