Brian Westbrook is apparently close to making a decision on which team he will be playing for in 2010 and possibly beyond.  Apparently, there are three teams in the mix for Westbrook’s services.  Those teams are Denver, Washington, and St.  Louis.  It is hard to know exactly what Westbrook is looking to get out of an organization and what that organization plans to get out of Westbrook.  After all he is coming off of a season filled with injury, specifically concussion related injuries.  This could explain why besides the three teams mentioned there really wasn’t much interest from the remaining teams in the league.  Although Westbrook was a dynamic player for years it is clear his career is now closing in on its final stages.  Westbrook would no doubt like to play and make an impact for his new team, but all signs point to him being more of a situational back.  Let’s take a look at the pros and cons as they relate to the three teams that are in consideration for Westbrook’s services.

DENVER – The Broncos seem set at the running back position with starter Knowshon Moreno and backup Correll Buckhalter.  With this team Westbrook would be sitting behind his former backup in Buckhalter and likely only see the field on some change of pace type plays.  The positive would be his reunion with former teammate Buckhalter.

ST LOUIS – The Rams really don’t have a solid backup to star Steven Jackson, so Buckhalter would get a great opportunity to win the backup role in St Louis.  The Rams will rely heavily on Jackson, but in order to keep him healthy the team will need to get him some much needed breathers.  Westbrook could be see some significant time spelling Jackson and have a great opportunity to prove his worth.  On the negative side the Rams are nowhere near being able to compete for a championship.  I suspect Westbrook would like to play for a team that could at least compete within its own division.

WASHINGTON – With the Redskins Westbrook would be reunited with former quarterback Donovan McNabb.  Both players enjoyed great success while they were in the backfield together and the offense which new coach Mike Shanahan is expected to implement is one that is suited to Westbrook’s skill sets.    On the other hand the Redskins currently have a crowded backfield of former 1000 yard rushers with Willie Parker, Larry Johnson, and Clinton Portis.  If Westbrook can show he is fully recovered from his concussion ailments then he could easily receive plenty of playing time in a backfield I suspect will implement a running back by committee approach.

If I had to guess I would have to say that Washington is the likeliest destination for Westbrook.  Not only is there a good opportunity for playing time, but the organization as a whole is a good fit and the only one of the three choices located on the east coast.  Also besides being reunited with McNabb, Brian would get the chance to play with little brother Byron.