Haynesworth is latest problem player moved
ASHBURN — They started the day by ridding themselves of a headache, not to mention a potential circus, then turned to fortifying both their lines. Both moves were necessary.
The Redskins continued to overhaul their roster Thursday, releasing seven players, trading Albert Haynesworth and then agreeing to terms with three players.
Suddenly a team that once was defined by its drama has ridded itself of those who caused the most uproar — from running back Clinton Portis in the offseason to Donovan McNabb on Wednesday and now Haynesworth.
That the Redskins actually landed a draft pick from New England in exchange for Haynesworth — in this case, a fifth-rounder in 2013 — is probably a bonus. Players had let it be known that a similar situation as 2010, in which Haynesworth was a major topic much of the season, was unacceptable.
Meanwhile, they agreed to terms with free agent defensive end Stephen Bowen, punter Sav Rocca and guard Chris Chester. They also signed 11 of their 12 rookies as of last night, leaving only guard Maurice Hurt (seventh round) unsigned.
They released veteran defensive end Phillip Daniels, center Casey Rabach, nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu, punter Sam Paulescu, receiver Roydell Williams and running backs Andre Brown and Chad Simpson.
“It’s crazy,” linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said.
Landing Bowen and Chester gives the Redskins two potential younger starters. But neither has been a longtime starter. And the Baltimore Sun reported earlier this month that if Chester had re-signed with the Ravens, he would not have started. He received a five-year, $20-million contract from the Redskins.
Still, he’s considered agile and that’s an important trait in the Redskins’ stretch zone running game. An NFL source said Chester would play right guard, a position he started at in Baltimore. The 6-foot-3, 317-pound Chester started 47 games for the Ravens and also can play center.
“He’s a good fit in their system,” one NFL talent evaluator said.
Bowen likely will play right end ahead of Jenkins. Bowen is considered a good inside rusher, but he only has 5 1/2 career sacks and posted 1 1/2 in nine starts with Dallas last season. He has 11 career starts. The Redskins gave him a five-year contract worth $27 million with $12.5 million guaranteed.
Rocca also fills a need. Brad Maynard had been linked to the Redskins, but they were concerned about his age (37) and poor production (40.1 yards). Rocca was released by Philadelphia after five seasons. He averaged a career-best 43.8 yards in 2010.
But the big news of the day surrounded Haynesworth. The former $100-million free agent lasted only two controversial seasons with Washington and his production never matched the $35 million he ultimately received from the Redskins.
Haynesworth did not want to play in the Redskins’ 3-4 defense that coach Mike Shanahan wanted. He needed 10 days to pass the conditioning test last training camp and couldn’t crack the starting lineup. He eventually was suspended in December for conduct detrimental to the team.
The Redskins were lucky to get anything for him. And New England becomes the next team to try and tap into his talent. But he needs to be warned: The Patriots also play a 3-4.
