Keeping Haynesworth has positive, negative possibilities for team
The biggest question was answered Tuesday: Albert Haynesworth will remain in Washington.
Here’s the next big question: Now what?
We’ll get to that in a minute. First, the fact that he’s staying is not surprising. Long ago the Redskins established an asking price, believed to be a second-round pick. Long ago teams decided they only wanted to surrender a fourth.
The Redskins didn’t change their minds. Other teams, notably Tennessee, didn’t change theirs. And Haynesworth remains.
“Clearly Albert’s situation has settled down there in Washington,” Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher told reporters Tuesday. “He is under contract and there was no interest in them as far as moving him is concerned.”
But is this a wise move — or non-move — for Washington? In some ways, it absolutely is; in other ways it’s a gamble. The same thing was said when the Redskins signed him. It also was a gamble when they decided to keep him this past offseason (though financially they almost had no choice if the owner wanted a return on his initial investment).
Joe Gibbs liked to say when people told him that he could change a player, his response would be, “He’s been this way for 20 years, what makes you think I can change him?”
Mike Shanahan wasn’t going to change Haynesworth. This wasn’t some rookie; it’s a guy who made All-Pro doing it his way. Right or wrong, in his mind, why should he change?
The worry by some is that Haynesworth now could become a distraction. Or a locker-room cancer. Maybe. But his teammates already have dealt with an entire offseason of drama, followed by more in training camp, followed by more during the season. They’re immune to the drama. Sick of it, yes; but not necessarily of him. If Haynesworth had lost the locker room, maybe Shanahan would have traded him.
It’s hard not to say Haynesworth’s drama hasn’t impacted the Redskins on the field. Had he worked here in the offseason and learned the defense … had he reported in better shape … then maybe he’d be playing more and dominating. This defense could use what he offers.
In their nickel and dime packages he could be a “force” as linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said. That is, if he knows what he — and others — are supposed to do. In this defense, it’s a must — there’s room for creativity, but not for freelance. And that’s part of the gamble, too. Maybe he never quite gets it. But will he get it enough that he can actually not just contribute, but make plays? He looked good for stretches vs. Philadelphia. Was that the start of him “getting it”?
But here’s the thing: If Haynesworth comes around at all, then the Redskins have another playmaker on defense. If he doesn’t, that fourth-round pick being offered now likely will be there in the offseason. Yes, teams could wait for him to be cut, but if a few teams want him, then he could have a mini bidding war.
Then again, Haynesworth had a bad rep around the league during free agency. It hasn’t exactly improved. And his durability will become a bigger issue because he’ll turn 30 in June. So the list of teams who would want to take him has to have dwindled.
Shanahan made his choice. He wants Haynesworth’s talent to help him now. It’s not a bad move. Time will tell if it’s the right one.
