The $100 Million Dollar Man

The Washington Redskins have made a big signing in free agency. This should come as no surprise as the Redskins love to build through free agency. Shortly before 7 eastern on Friday, February 27, 2009, it was reported that Albert Haynesworth, the star defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans had signed a deal with the Redskins. According to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, Haynesworth signed a seven year contract worth about $100 million. It is reported that the contract Haynesworth signed guarantees $41 million in the first three years.

Albert has been a good performer that last couple of years recording 271 tackles and 24 sacks for Tennessee. He has really performed the last two years, but in the prior 5 seasons he was marked as being lazy and underperforming. In fact, the biggest impact he made in his first 5 years, according to Wikipedia, was on the face of a Dallas Cowboys lineman Andre Gurode. Haynesworth lost his temper as the Cowboys scored and ripped off Gurode's helmet and stomped on the down lineman's head with his cleats in a move that could have caused serious damage and merited a 5 game suspension. Haynesworth has also had altercations with teammates over his career.

The Redskins are notorious for trying to build a team through free agency often signing big name free agents who turn into busts. Dan Snyder, the owner of the Redskins is widely known for signing big names just hours after midnight on signing day. So far, Snyder has managed to avoid charges of tampering, but this year was accused of meeting with Haynesworth and his agent earlier this week. They may have overspent being near the league salary cap already before signing Haynesworth and cornerback DeAngelo Hall who signed a $54 to $56 million dollar deal earlier this week. In addition, some people feel like now that he has his big money, Haynesworth will return to lazy habits. It remains to be seen if he is worth this hefty price tag.

It remains to be seen what Haynesworth will do once he suits up for the Redskins. He may be the missing piece of a defense that was very good last season. He may be able to control his temper and pull off a hall of fame career. He may lead the Redskins to the playoffs and maybe a Super Bowl. Is he worth every penny of 100 million? Or will they regret not signing a big name receiver or some offensive linemen or maybe adding a couple more pieces to their defense? In the NFC East, where competition is always tight, the Redskins better hope that this signing pans out or they will be saddled with a huge weight for the next 7 years.