Albert Haynesworth, Jason Campbell and Clinton Portis — will any of the once core players still be Washington Redskins in coming weeks?
Redskins Park may send red alerts for the big three during the three-day minicamp beginning Friday. Haynesworth and Campbell seem certain to be traded, if not before the April 22-24 NFL draft then shortly afterwards. Portis is the only one of the trio working out with the team, but feels like a late preseason cut given the signings of Willie Parker and Larry Johnson.
Donovan McNabb’s recent arrival signals a major roster shift. After a 4-12 season, only linebacker Brian Orakpo isn’t tradeable, releasable and forgettable.
Haynesworth is the second coming of Dana Stubblefield, another defensive star without incentive once overpaid by the Redskins. Haynesworth said he wanted to be the next Reggie White, but came to camp out of shape. Haynesworth is certainly a great player, but was too often on the sideline gasping for air like a fat man running to the buffet bar at closing time.
The Redskins are playing a very dangerous game with Haynesworth, though. He doesn’t want to play nose tackle in the new 3-4 scheme and stayed away from offseason workouts. Haynesworth rightfully knows it’s a position for a journeyman, not a marquee player who’s diminished there.
Washington reportedly shopped Haynesworth without success before paying him a $21 million roster bonus on April 1. Now he’s much more tradeable, probably bringing a second-rounder. But teams will wait until after the draft to play Haynesworth one season before paying the pick in 2011.
There’s also the $21 million. NFL teams can’t include money as part of a trade. Haynesworth could offer a giveback in return for his escape, but no way that’s happening. Best to forget the money and make the move.
Trading Haynesworth for Denver receiver Brandon Marshall sounds good until remembering the Broncos run a 3-4 defense, too. Trading to Detroit or Tampa Bay would also force swapping their second or third overall selections for Washington’s fourth so the former teams don’t take offensive tackle Russell Okung before the Redskins. That surely complicates trade talks because Detroit and Tampa Bay would want more. OK, include Portis’ expensive deal as part of the trade to compensate for Haynesworth coming cheaply. Frankly, that’s a long shot.
Meanwhile, Campbell has until Thursday to work a trade before the restricted rights clause ends his options. The team could still trade him afterwards so it’s not much of a deadline.
Campbell probably brings a fifth-rounder if swapped before the draft, but a fifth with escalator clauses to a third if it’s a 2011 pick. That’s cheap for a former first-rounder with fair stats at age 28. Somehow, Campbell won’t reach training camp.
Portis has the best chance of remaining, but needs a major attitude adjustment for preseason. Actually playing would be a good start. We’ll know in August if Portis is staying for September.
Coach Mike Shanahan wants a new attitude around Redskins Park and who’s to disagree? It may just require another locker room exodus.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or
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