Haynesworth Hits The Jackpot

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was the most sought after free agent this offseason and as soon as teams were allowed to contact players, Haynesworth got offers from at least six teams. He made his decision today to play for the Washington Redskins. The deal is record setting—seven years, $100 million. Haynesworth also gets $41 million guaranteed money which is also a record.

Defenses win championships. So apparently teams are willing to spend any amount to build up a championship defense. Whether it’s the Giants defensive line that knocked Brady and the Patriots off their game in the 2007 Super Bowl or the Steelers defensive line which was #1 in the NFL in run defense (allowing only 3.3 yards per carry and 80.3 rush yards per game) last season en route to their Super Bowl victory, teams are looking for that defensive force on the line that can change a game. Haynesworth is the newest hype to hit the free agent market and he cashed in big time.

Haynesworth has had his troubles in the past, but the Redskins hope those are left in the past. He served the longest suspension ever in the NFL for an on field altercation when he stepped on Andre Gurode’s face in 2006. After a five game suspension and anger management classes, Haynesworth has seemed to clean up his act.

Another problem with Haynesworth is that he sometimes takes plays off which should have hurt his value. It looks like the Redskins were willing to deal with that aspect of his game to get his dominant side.

The Haynesworth signing only makes the Redskins defense stronger. (The Redskins defense finished fourth overall last season in yards allowed.) The Redskins needed to make a statement playing in the NFC East and signing Albert Haynesworth is that statement.