Two weeks after free agent running back Brian Westbrook visited the Washington Redskins, head coach Mike Shanahan is still interested in signing him.
And Shanahan says the presence of Westbrook’s brother, defensive back Byron Westbrook, could help in getting a deal done.
“I’m trying to talk to his brother a little bit, trying to get in good with him,” Shanahan said, per the Washington Post. “I’m not sure it’s helped a whole lot, but I’ll keep on trying.”
The Redskins already have a crowded backfield, with Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker. But Shanahan said he thinks Westbrook could contribute to the passing game in a way the Redskins’ other running backs don’t. And Shanahan likes the idea of Westbrook making the other running backs compete harder for playing time.
“We have some healthy competition,” Shanahan said. “We have some guys with a lot of ability. I’m looking forward to when the pads are on, show us what they can do in game situations.”