They were 2 moves everybody knew were coming, but Brian Westbrook and LaDainian Tomlinson being released by the Eagles and Chargers, respectively, still sent shockwaves through football. Fans of both the Eagles and Chargers expected these moves to happen, but they were still surprised when they actually did. This had more to do with the shock of emotional ties being broken than being caught off-guard by the news itself.. Each player has been such a vital part of his team’s success over the last few years, and a good number of fans are not happy with this news.

Eagle fans are taking the news especially hard, as Westbrook was both a fan favorite and a key contributor. He has been a huge part of the Eagles’ offense for over 7 seasons and replacing his production will be very challenging.

Now 2nd year back LeSean McCoy will have to step up and take most of the slack, and the Eagles will be sure to sign someone for him to share the ball with. However, the new tandem will have to do quite a lot to make up for Westbrook who, before missing half of this last season, had way over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 5 straight seasons, including his over 2,000 yard campaign in 2007.

If not for Westbrook, the Eagles may never have lost in the NFC Championship game multiple times or lost in the Super Bowl because they would not have been there. He was a vital part of the Eagle offense and without him they would not have gotten as far as they did.

The Eagles did not cut Westbrook because of his performance. They cut him because of durability. Westbrook has never played a full season and this last year he missed half of the season due to a concussion. Westbrook was never able to stay on the field and this latest injury spelled doom for him in Philadelphia.

It will also be a huge red flag for any team that looks into signing him. If he wants to, Westbrook will find a team, but his injury history coupled with the fact that most running backs begin to decline once they reach age 30 (Westbrook recently turned 30), will certainly limit his options.

I can definitely see Westbrook retiring this offseason. He already has expressed fears of playing again and risking further injury, and I just cannot see him being happy in a role where he is not the feature back.

Right now, there do not seem to be any teams interested in signing him as their feature back, which I do not understand because for some teams i.e. Kansas City and Cleveland, he is worth the risk.

If he does play, it will most likely end up being for the Bears as Matt Forte’s backup, although the Vikings could jump into the mix if they trade Chester Taylor. Westbrook and Vikings head coach Brad Childress go way back so I could see the two reuniting.

However, I would not be surprised at all if Westbrook calls it quits soon after not receiving an offer to be a starter. Heck, I can even see him retire if he does receive a starting offer. He just seems scared enough to be willing to stop now, and I can’t say I blame him.

Looking at the recent history of NFL players with concussions does nothing but discourage those who have suffered concussions to walk away. In the last 15 years, we have seen a few guys walk away from the game because they are playing it safe (Barry Sanders and Tiki Barber being the most prominent)

If Westbrook does play and can stay healthy, then any team would be lucky to have him. Westbrook is an elite back when healthy, but that has been his biggest problem throughout his career. The Eagles and their fans know it, which is why, although he was a beloved member of their organization, this was the right move by the team.

Hopefully Westbrook ends up somewhere else and remains on the field because if he does, he will excite fans and help his new team greatly. If not, he will go down as a potential legend who never realized his full potential because of injuries.

On a side note, there was already one positive that came out of this move. In case you missed it, Howard Stern fan Captain Janks prank called ESPN’s “Sportscenter” the other night. He pretended to be Westbrook and began the conversation as if he was Westbrook. Then, after explaining how much he appreciated his time with the Eagles, he said he looked “forward to a future of worshiping the prostate of Howard Stern.” This was beyond hilarious and Scott Van Pelt’s reaction made it that much better.

The other big name running back cut this past week is LaDainian Tomlinson. The former star was released by the Chargers shortly after he said he had played his last game with them. This is the same Tomlinson who, just 3 years ago set the NFL record for total touchdowns in a season. Tomlinson has fallen far ever since and his numbers have dropped off significantly. Granted, he was a little banged up, but it is also clear that his skills have simply declined greatly in the last few years.

Tomlinson simply was no longer a part of San Diego’s plans as he has not been what they expected the last 2 years. He was terrible this year, and although Charger fans love him, he was no longer useful. He was already relegated to playing 2nd fiddle to Darren Sproles in San Diego, and they won’t miss him at all.

Tomlinson’s performance the last 2 years will have a severe impact on both the number and type of suitors he receives. He will not be anyone’s number one running back next year, as he shouldn’t be. He is a shell of his former dominant self and that is clear every time he touches the ball.

There are a handful of teams that seem to be interested in his services, but I think Tomlinson would much rather play for a legitimate contender. That is why, if they are really interested, he will sign with the Packers, although the Titans and Vikings are also possibilities.

The Lions may be the most interested, but I get the feeling that at this point in his career, Tomlinson is more interested in winning a ring than getting 5 more carries a game. Besides, he only has 2 more productive years left at most, so he will look to win a ring ASAP. Out of the teams interested, the Packers provide him with the best chance at doing just that.

The sad thing is, regardless of where he signs, Tomlinson will not do much. He just doesn’t have much gas left in the tank, which is why he will be nothing more than a back-up wherever he signs. This didn’t seem possible 3 years ago, when Tomlinson was at the top of the football world, but here we are. After his record-setting season, he turned down a chance to be on the Madden cover because his fans started a petition to keep him off it. They wanted him to avoid the curse. It looks like it got him anyway.

I will soon be able to say I understand what Eagle and Charger fans are going through right now-well, kind. My beloved Jets are preparing to release Thomas Jones, the running back who has been huge for the team the last 3 years, because they do not want to pay him. I cannot say I am happy with this decision, but because football is a business and this appears to be the right business move for the Jets, I understand it.

They have Shonn Greene and Leon Washington (who they will have to re-sign in order for this not to be a bad move) ready to take over and make no mistake- Jones can still make an impact on any team. He will have many offers and whatever team signs him will be lucky. He will cost a decent sum of money after having 2 terrific seasons in a row, but it will be worth it for whoever signs him.

Jones has not been with the Jets nearly as long as Westbrook and Tomlinson have each been with their respective teams, but he certainly made his impact while with the team. He will soon join the pool of running backs on the wrong side of 30 looking for work,

These recent moves just go to show how quickly things can change in football today. One minute, a guy is the most beloved member of a team and the next, he is gone, struggling to find second-rate work.