Ricky Watters became a member of the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday when the San Francisco 49ers refused to match a $6.9 million, three-year offer sheet to the star running back.
“We’re thrilled to have obtained one of the premier running backs in the NFL,” Eagles coach Ray Rhodes said of 25-year-old Watters.
“He’ll certainly add a dimension that this team needs in order for us to succeed. He’s a great runner, a great receiver, he knows the offensive team we’re putting in and, more importantly, Ricky Watters knows what it takes to win a championship.
“This is a big lift for us,” said Rhodes, who credited Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie for the deal.
Watters, who went to a Super Bowl and two Pro Bowls with the 49ers, logged 2,840 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns in 653 carries over the last three years.
Last season, he compiled 877 rushing yards on 239 carries and 66 receptions for 719 yards. He scored three touchdowns in the Super Bowl win over San Diego.
Carmen Policy, president of the 49ers, said the salary cap forced the team’s hand.
“This whole situation and decision was reviewed from every department in the organization, from top to bottom, including ownership,” Policy said. “The move to match the offer was considered too risky an investment in view of the league’s current system to doing business.”
Watters signed the Eagles’ offer sheet a week ago. The 49ers had until 12:01 a.m. Sunday to match the offer.
