If the Washington Redskins have no plans for Albert Haynesworth next season there are at least two teams that have interest.
The Detroit Lions have reportedly expressed a desire to bring in the outspoken defensive lineman. Ndamukong Suh went so far as to give Haynesworth a vote of confidence.
“I definitely like the group the way it is, but if we were able to have the opportunity and it was my decision to allow Albert Haynesworth to join our team, I would love for him to be able to join our group,” Suh told Pro Football Weekly (via The Detroit Free Press). “He’s been in this exact scheme, he’s been with Coach Schwartz, been with Gunther Cunningham, been with Kyle Vanden Bosch. … It would be a great addition.”
But it could be another NFC East team that comes in scoop up the former Tennessee Titans star. The Philadelphia Eagles are planning to go after defensive lineman this offseason and Haynesworth could be on their list.
The 29-year-old, $100 million man is willing to take a pay cut to play for Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn according to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network. Washburn was Haynesworth’s coach in Tennessee during his best seasons.
Since joining the Redskins in 2009, Hanyesworth has appeared in just 20 games, recording 54 tackles and seven sacks.
Those numbers are a far cry from his 2008 season with the Titans when he recorded nine sacks and 51 tackles under Washburn’s guidance. He played 14 games that season–tied for his career high.
The Eagles may only come into play if the Redskins are willing to release him outright. However, the more likely scenario has Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen trying to get something for him on the trade market.
If a trade is able to be worked out it would be the second time in as many seasons the Redskins and Eagles have swapped blockbuster name players. Donovan McNabb was traded to Washington following the 2009 season.
Chuck Carroll is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and a credentialed with the Washington Redskins. Follow him on twitter @FNNChuck
