Breaking Down the Haynesworth Deal

Jim Zorn Introduces another high profiled player in Washington

The Washington Redskins made a big splash in free agency yet again by going after the biggest name in free agency. The Redskins ended up offering Haynesworth a 7 year deal that could be worth up to $105 million and $115 with incentives. However, the Redskins have in essence signed Albert Haynesworth to a 4 year deal worth much less.

Peter King from SI explains:

Haynesworth, barring a miracle, will never see the fifth year of the contract. In essence, he signed a four-year, $48-million contract Friday with the Redskins. That will carry him through his 11th season, in 2012 (barring a work stoppage in 2011, which is a real possibility).

So essentially, the Haynesworth signing turns out to be $12 million a year for the first 4 years. Dan Snyder, owner/GMs, lures free agents is by offering more guaranteed money than other team. These contracts are often backloaded and restructured later if a player stays longer than 4 years (see Clinton Portis, Chris Samuels, Jon Jansen, Cornelius Griffin). And other times a player are just let go if the team does not want to extend the contract (Marcus Washington and Shawn Springs in 2008).

The signing did address a glaring weakness of the Washington Redskins defense; the inability to create pressure on quarterback without sending an extra defender and stopping power runners. While the Redskins defense ranked 4th overall in yardage allowed, they were 28th in the league in forcing turnovers. The Redskins were also overpowered by teams with power running games. The Redskins lacked size on their defensive line especially with two finesse rusher in Andre Carter and Jason Taylor. Tennessee was 22-7 the past two seasons (including postseason games) when Haynesworth was on the field and 1-4 when he wasn't.

The Haynesworth signing is still a high risk proposition. Haynesworth has not played a full season in the 7 years since he has been in the league. His attitude both on and on off the field has been questioned. He received a 5 game suspension for stomping Dallas Cowboy's Andre Gurode who is still on the Dallas Cowboys.   The incident is cited as turning point in Haynesworth's career who underwent anger management, and has been a more effective player on the field since.

Maybe Dan Snyder signed Haynesworth

because he hates the Cowboys

Haynesworth has also been allowed to free-lance in Tennessee meaning he is often allowed to rush the passer instead of staying back to stop the run. One has to wonder if Haynesworth will be given the same privledge under defensive coordinator Greg Blatche, who gears his defense to stopping the run first and then the pass. Blatche has been more stringent in the past especially with ex Redskins Jason Taylor, who was forced to play out of his natural position. If Haynesworth plays out of a team concept, one has to wonder if the Redskins scheme be as effective, which was 4th overall.

At the end of the day, the Redskins look like they have upgraded their defense with this particular signing that will force turnovers.  There are still many questions that need to be answered.