$3 million error with Westbrook puts Eagles in bind

Brian Westbrook was overpaid last season.

That's not an opinion. It's a fact.

The Eagles admitted on Friday that an accounting gaffe resulted in the team's paying its star running back a $3 million roster bonus twice. The Eagles have been forced to file a grievance with the NFL against Westbrook because the money has not yet been repaid.

According to a team source, Westbrook and his agent, Fletcher Smith, have acknowledged the mistake and intend to return the money. Smith did not return a phone call on Friday. The matter becomes complicated from an accounting standpoint because of the taxes already paid on the money.

The league, under the collective-bargaining agreement, could hit the Eagles with a cap charge for the mistake. A team source said Friday that, as of now, the league had not penalized the Eagles for the error. The fear within the Eagles' organization was that another team might challenge the NFL if the league does not penalize the team.

Greg Aiello, vice president of media relations for the league, did not return a call on Friday.

Westbrook, of course, was the focal point of the Eagles' offense last season and probably was worth an extra $3 million after the way he performed when starting quarterback Donovan McNabb suffered a torn knee ligament and was lost for the season.

He finished the year with a career-high 1,217 rushing yards and was sixth in the NFL with 1,916 yards from scrimmage. His 6.0 yards per touch was second best in the league for running backs.

Westbrook, 27, signed a five-year contract extension worth $24.9 million during the 2005 season after contentious moments that included a training-camp holdout before the season. The deal included $9.5 million in bonus money. Westbrook will have a base salary of $2 million in 2007.

CARR HAPPY AS BACKUP: With Jake Delhomme and Carolina coming off a disappointing 8-8 season, it's been suggested that new Panthers quarterback Carr could quickly challenge for the No. 1 job.

General manager Marty Hurney said Delhomme is the clear starter, but likes having an established quarterback as a backup. Carolina released Chris Weinke last month after he was ineffective replacing an injured Delhomme.

"(Carr) knows that Jake is our starter," Hurney said. "Every player wants to play, but he knows the role he's coming into."

Carr also insisted Friday he's content as a backup -- and ready take a break from running away from defensive linemen.

"I need to take a deep breath and be around a good environment and just start enjoying the game again," he said.

BRIEFLY: The Oakland Raiders agreed to a contract Friday with former Denver Broncos offensive lineman Cooper Carlisle.

Carlisle started every game the past two seasons for the Broncos and has played 95 games since joining Denver as a fourth-round pick out of Florida in 2000.

* The Arizona Cardinals signed three free agents on Friday and re-signed center Nick Leckey. Cornerback Ralph Brown and defensive ends Rodney Bailey and Joe Tafoya signed one-year deals. Leckey, a restricted free agent, signed his one-year qualifying offer.

* The New York Giants signed defensive tackle Marcus Bell and defensive back Michael Stone on Friday. Bell had a career season with Detroit in 2006, recording 52 tackles before being placed on injured reserve with a broken hand.