While no one knows for sure what the Redskins will do with defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth once the NFL’s transactions freeze is lifted, he may not escape the division if Washington decides to cut him loose.
Steve Wyche, of NFL.com, has “connected the dots” and alludes to the Philadelphia Eagles as a potential destination for the soon-to-be 30-year-old Haynesworth.
“There will be teams that are interested, and one of them could be right up the highway and in the division,” Wyche said during his live chat. “Jim Washburn was hired as Philly’s defensive line coach and he was the position coach that was able to get the most out of Haynesworth (in Tennessee). We all know that if Haynesworth is motivated, he is a terror, which is why Washington paid him so much. Not everyone will go after Haynesworth, but I don’t foresee him not being in the NFL next season.”
It’s true that many clubs will remain guarded about Haynesworth and his accompanying baggage, though Washburn could prove to be a major coup for the team if they’re intent on bringing Fat Albert to the City of Brotherly Love.
Under Washburn, Haynesworth had two stellar seasons in 2007 and 2008, totaling 14.5 sacks over that span. In each of those two years, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and earned All-Pro honors.
Haynesworth has been unhappy in Washington since the day he arrived there — that’s a duly noted fact. If given a fresh start and a change of scenery, it’s possible he could return to his old form, and going up against the Redskins twice a year would likely re-ignite the fire he was sorely lacking in 2010.
