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Eagles get good news as Westbrook picks McNabb’s agent

Philadelphia

RB Brian Westbrook, coming off a breakout season in which he gained 1,515 total yards, deserves to be paid like an NFL franchise back — at least that was the line of thinking of agent Tony Agnone, who used to represent Westbrook. The fourth-year back, heading into a free-agent season and having yet to sign his one-year, $1.43 million qualifying offer as a restricted free agent, reportedly has fired Agnone in favor of Fletcher Smith, the agent for Eagles QB Donovan McNabb and RB Correll Buckhalter, of CSMG Sports. Per NFL rules, players must wait five days before officially selecting a new agent after dropping an old one and filing the proper paperwork with the league. As of May 22, the five-day window had yet to expire, and neither Agnone nor Smith had returned PFW’s calls. Agnone had told several media sources that Westbrook intended to sign the qualifying offer before June 15, at which time the Eagles could withdraw the current offer and substitute a lower one. Smith’s challenge — and Eagles sources are confident it will happen — is to get Westbrook signed before the June 1 minicamp and start dialogue on a long-term deal. As a contingency for the uncertain Westbrook, the team re-signed Buckhalter and drafted RB Ryan Moats in the third round.

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Dallas

For now, the team has put its needs at free safety on hold. They will evaluate the work of the players at the position through the May 27-29 minicamp and determine whether getting another player is necessary. The team has investigated free-agent possibilities, including former Falcons S Cory Hall, but hasn’t offered anyone a contract. If no veterans are added, the list of candidates is as follows: special-teams ace Keith Davis; second-year unknown Clint Finley; and Woody Dantzler, who will be given a final shot this year. It’s also possible Roy Williams could remain at free safety if either SS Lynn Scott, who started nine games last season, or sixth-round pick Justin Beriault, an in-the-box type of player, stands out.

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NY Giants

It will be a pivotal season for TE Jeremy Shockey to show that he can reach his immense potential and remain healthy for a full season. There was some tension between the club and Shockey when he failed to show up for the team’s “optional” offseason workout and training program, preferring to work out in Miami with several former Hurricanes teammates. Shockey did appear briefly in New York to work with teammates following the private coaxing by head coach Tom Coughlin and the public plea of QB Eli Manning, who said he wanted to work on his timing with Shockey. Shockey appeared to be in great shape when he arrived, but there were reports that the cameo appearance had more to do with the fact he was selling his property in the area than it did with anything Coughlin or Manning said. To date, no one has expressed displeasure with Shockey, who is expected to show up for the club’s mandatory minicamps.

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WashingtonThrow another name into the mix for the vacant MLB spot. Recently signed Warrick Holdman is expected to vie for departed MLB Antonio Pierce’s old spot along with a slate of other candidates: 229-pound Lemar Marshall, who filled in on the weak side last season; special-teamer Brian Allen; reserve LBs Brandon Barnes and Clifton Smith; fifth- and sixth-round draft picks Robert McCune and Jared Newberry; and 13th-year vet Mike Barrow, who’s rehabbing a knee injury. Barrow might appear to be the most qualified candidate, but he has not recovered properly and now looms as a potential June 1 casualty; cutting him would clear up about $1.4 million, which would be essential in signing the team’s draft picks, including first-rounders Carlos Rogers and Jason Campbell. Don’t rule out Holdman playing in the middle. Like Pierce, most of his experience had been outside, but he has the speed and chasing ability to make the switch under the guidance of DL coach/defensive coordinator Greg Blache and LB coach Dale Lindsey, who also coached Holdman in Chicago.