Brian Westbrook Signs One-Year Deal With The 49ers

The abrupt retirement of 49ers running back Glen Coffee meant the team was going to be forced to acquire another back before the end of the preseason. It just so happens that a high-profile one has been available for some time.

The team announced Monday that former Eagles running back had signed a one-year contract to join the 49ers.

While the timing wasn't a surprise - Westbrook had said he would be picking his new team by Monday - some observers expressed shock at the destination, as Westbrook had been linked most closely with the Redskins, Rams and Broncos. Just a few hours before the signing was announced by the 49ers, NFL.com's Jason La Canfora said he thought the Redskins were the team to beat in the Westbrook sweepstakes.

Perhaps that was true at the time, but the crisis brought on by the sudden departure of Coffee may have forced the 49ers to sweeten their deal just enough to land the back. Or the thought of playing for a potential playoff team was incentive enough.

According to La Canfora, Westbrook will earn a base salary of $1.25 million. By fulfilling performance incentives, he could earn as much as $2.5 million.