Vikings lose out on FB Weaver

Fullback Leonard Weaver, who had been receiving some degree of interest from the Vikings, reached a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings could be in the market for another fullback after their 2008 starter, Naufahu Tahi, signed an offer sheet with Cincinnati earlier in the day.

The Philadelphia Eagles reached a one-year contract agreement with free-agent FB Leonard Weaver, Scout.com has confirmed. Weaver can make up to $2.5 million if he hits all the incentives in the deal.

A veteran of four NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Weaver (6-0, 242) played in 14 games (7 starts) in 2008, recording 352 total yards from scrimmage (130 rushing, 222 receiving) and two touchdown receptions. In 46 career regular season games (11 starts), the 26-year-old Weaver has amassed 356 yards and one touchdown rushing, while posting 60 receptions for 547 yards and two scores.

Originally a rookie free agent signing of Seattle in 2005, Weaver appeared in all 16 games in his rookie campaign as the back-up to former All-Pro fullback Mack Strong. After missing the entire 2006 season with an ankle injury, Weaver rebounded in 2007 to play in all 16 games, and took over as the starting fullback after Strong was placed on IR on October 9 with a neck injury. That season, Weaver recorded career highs in rushing yards (146), receptions (39), and receiving yards (313), while adding one rushing touchdown. In addition, Weaver notched his first career playoff touchdown, a 17-yard score in the NFC Wild Card game vs. Washington.

A product of Carson-Newman College, Weaver earned Division II All-America honors as a senior tight end in 2004, posting 27 catches for 571 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns. Originally recruited as a linebacker, Weaver shifted to tight end as a sophomore in 2002. The Melbourne, FL, native was a running back and quarterback at Satellite HS.

The Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Seahawks also showed interest in him.

Earlier on Friday, VikingUpdate.com confirmed that Naufahu Tahi had signed an offer sheet with the Cincinnati Bengals. Click here for more information on that story.