The Philadelphia Eagles and star running back Brian Westbrook came to terms on a new contract Friday, just hours before the team’s first pre-season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The deal alters the remaining three years on Westbrook’s current contract, signed in 2005 for five years, worth $25 million. B-West was set to receive $12.5 million over those three years. The Eagles had added an additional $13 million to that deal, but the years on the deal remain largely the same.

Westbrook is set to be 31 years old when the deal expires, a key component in these negotiations. It is largely believed that running backs drop off after the age of 30 due to the extremely physical nature of their position and the constant pounding that they receive.

“Obviously when you’re dealing with a 29-year-old running back, the odds are against him,” said Westbrook’s agent, Todd France. “They presented us with more than enough information to try to show us that.”

That being said, the Eagles did not have to do any deal at all, and have a reputation for not renegotiating contracts (ala Terrell Owens and Lito Sheppard). But it appears they may have learned from the TO situation and understand the need to keep their top players happy, but do it within reason. The deal basically gives Westbrook more money, but the Eagles held fast to their long held aversion to giving veteran players any kind of long term deal.

“As I’ve said many times, I believe Brian Westbrook is the best running back in football,” head coach Andy Reid said in a statement released by the team. “He can do it all from that position, whether it’s running, catching the football or blocking. He is true professional and leader on and off the field and it’s a great deal for both Brian and the Eagles organization.”

There is concern that this will set a precedent for future players unhappy with their contract, but chances are they will be sorely disappointed. The Eagles march to the beat of their own drum, and make the deals they feel are in the best interest of the organization, regardless of the popular pressure from the fans, media, and their own players. I believe the Eagles felt it was in the best interest of the team to keep Westbrook happy because he is not only the “Ultimate Weapon,” but largely the only weapon the Phillies have. Lito Sheppard’s deal, on the other hand, is not as urgent as the Eagles have a lot of depth at the cornerback position.

I think this is a situation occurring in a vacuum with little affect of the way the team will conduct itself in the future. Either way, it’s important that they did accomodate Westbrook because he embodies the Eagles’ offense outside of quarterback Donovan Mcnabb and it’s imperative that his head is focused on football, not finances.