Magnificent Seven
03-06-2011, 12:59 AM
Today's question comes from Chris Bass:
Q: Assuming there is a new collective bargaining agreement, is there any interest on the part of the Broncos in acquiring defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth? With the fallout between Haynesworth and Coach (Mike) Shanahan, it seems the Broncos could trade a modest amount. I have also heard that the Redskins have paid a significant portion of Haynesworth's contract already, limiting the (potential) salary-cap hit of any team that might trade for him. Although Haynesworth has significant character concerns, he would be a game-changer on the Broncos' defensive line and would vastly improve the run defense and the ability of the Broncos front seven to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
A: Chris, there is little question the Redskins would like to be done with Haynesworth. He was signed to a deal worth more than $100 million before Shanahan was hired and has since bristled at Shanahan's authority.
Haynesworth was suspended for the final four games of the 2010 season for conduct detrimental to the team. He has a host of ongoing off-the-field issues, including having been charged in a road rage incident, with a March 31 court date, and a report he's being investigated for sexual assault for an incident with a waitress at a restaurant in recent weeks.
That is to go with the numerous incidents in his past.
That, in addition to declining play since he got his coveted long-term deal, makes him difficult to move for the Redskins and difficult to take on for another team.
There are many in the league who say the Titans and Redskins discussed a possible trade before the 2010 draft involving a fourth-round draft pick, but nothing came of those discussions, so Shanahan and Haynesworth spent much of the 2010 season butting heads.
Those who know Haynesworth well, who have coached him or played alongside him, say he is bright and engaging when he wants to be.
But he doesn't react well to browbeating.
And once he secured his long-term deal in free agency, it's unlikely people will see the level of play he had in his final year with the Titans.
That makes trading for him a difficult choice for any team. The Broncos don't need more problems at any level, off the field or on it.
Haynesworth is likely too big of a question mark on both counts. The Broncos are rebuilding almost from the ground up.
Haynesworth is only 29, but he came into the league as the draft's youngest player in 2002 at just 20. So he is entering his 10th season in 2011.
The Broncos have said they want to be younger and have a more traditional, build-through-the-draft approach. Even beyond the off-the-field risks, Haynesworth wouldn't fit either of those criteria.
One team that may bear watching is the Eagles, where former Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn was just hired and signed to a three-year deal. Washburn is one of the best, and while Haynesworth was a headache for him at times, Haynesworth has almost always played hard for him.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17542003
Q: Assuming there is a new collective bargaining agreement, is there any interest on the part of the Broncos in acquiring defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth? With the fallout between Haynesworth and Coach (Mike) Shanahan, it seems the Broncos could trade a modest amount. I have also heard that the Redskins have paid a significant portion of Haynesworth's contract already, limiting the (potential) salary-cap hit of any team that might trade for him. Although Haynesworth has significant character concerns, he would be a game-changer on the Broncos' defensive line and would vastly improve the run defense and the ability of the Broncos front seven to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
A: Chris, there is little question the Redskins would like to be done with Haynesworth. He was signed to a deal worth more than $100 million before Shanahan was hired and has since bristled at Shanahan's authority.
Haynesworth was suspended for the final four games of the 2010 season for conduct detrimental to the team. He has a host of ongoing off-the-field issues, including having been charged in a road rage incident, with a March 31 court date, and a report he's being investigated for sexual assault for an incident with a waitress at a restaurant in recent weeks.
That is to go with the numerous incidents in his past.
That, in addition to declining play since he got his coveted long-term deal, makes him difficult to move for the Redskins and difficult to take on for another team.
There are many in the league who say the Titans and Redskins discussed a possible trade before the 2010 draft involving a fourth-round draft pick, but nothing came of those discussions, so Shanahan and Haynesworth spent much of the 2010 season butting heads.
Those who know Haynesworth well, who have coached him or played alongside him, say he is bright and engaging when he wants to be.
But he doesn't react well to browbeating.
And once he secured his long-term deal in free agency, it's unlikely people will see the level of play he had in his final year with the Titans.
That makes trading for him a difficult choice for any team. The Broncos don't need more problems at any level, off the field or on it.
Haynesworth is likely too big of a question mark on both counts. The Broncos are rebuilding almost from the ground up.
Haynesworth is only 29, but he came into the league as the draft's youngest player in 2002 at just 20. So he is entering his 10th season in 2011.
The Broncos have said they want to be younger and have a more traditional, build-through-the-draft approach. Even beyond the off-the-field risks, Haynesworth wouldn't fit either of those criteria.
One team that may bear watching is the Eagles, where former Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn was just hired and signed to a three-year deal. Washburn is one of the best, and while Haynesworth was a headache for him at times, Haynesworth has almost always played hard for him.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17542003