Head coach Andy Reid made it clear on Tuesday that LeSean McCoy would be the team's franchise running back in 2010 when he said "obviously that's who's going to take the ball from here."

But with Brian Westbrook's eventual release, it remains to be seen who will be the primary backup to McCoy in 2010. Leonard Weaver was able to deliver in 2009, but will the Eagles want to rely on him to that extent again?

Eldra Buckley was a good special teams player and saw some action in goal-line situations last season. Martell Mallett and Dwayne Wright are off-season pick-ups like Buckley was last year and have to prove themselves.

While some fans will clamor for former Charger LaDainian Tomlinson to get on board, National Football Post writer Joe Fortenbaugh makes a compelling case for the Eagles to add another Pro Bowl back - Thomas Jones. The one problem? He's still a member of the Jets. However, Jones is scheduled to make over $5 million next season. Reports from New York indicate that with Shonn Greene's breakout performance in the playoffs Jones might be expendable.

Even though he'll turn 32 in August, Jones just had the best season of his 10-year NFL career with 331 carries for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns.

"At 5-10, 212 pounds, Jones is a physical back capable of pounding the ball between the tackles. He's averaged 4.37 yards per carry over his past two seasons, demonstrating the ability to pick up the tough yards and move the sticks," Fortenbaugh wrote. "And keep in mind, Jones ran for over 1,400 yards last season despite facing defenses that were constantly sending seven and eight men into the box to defend the run. The Jets ran the ball 58.9 percent of the time, more than any other team in the NFL. Translation: The guy still has enough gas left in the tank to make an impact somewhere."

Fortenbaugh argues that if Jones is released, he would be a perfect complement to McCoy.

"If Jones becomes available, sign him (or, at the very least, bring in a physical, downhill runner who can lower his shoulder and hit the hole). Then, commit and divide 400 carries between him and McCoy. This keeps Jones fresh for the season and limits the wear on McCoy for the future," Fortenbaugh wrote.

"I know what you're thinking: Thomas Jones is going to come with a hefty price tag. But if you want quality, you've got to be willing to pay for it. What else would you expect from a guy who ran for 1,400-plus yards and 14 touchdowns last season? He's in the final act of his career and will be looking for one last payday before hanging up his spikes."

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 12:59 p.m., February 24