When the Redskins traded defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to New England for a roll of quarters and a half-eaten bag of Fritos, the move made sense for both sides. For the Pats, it was a low-risk gamble. For the Redskins, shipping him to the AFC was better than cutting him and watching him drive up I-95 to Philadelphia, where the Dream Team was rolling out the welcome mat for anyone with a recognizable name.
Defensive line coach Jim Washburn (pictured with Haynesworth) had coached Haynesworth in Tennesssee, and Washburn reportedly wanted Haynesworth “badly” before the trade happened. Way back in January, Haynesworth reportedly was willing to take less money to be reunited with Washburn.
That’s why we crafted this two-sentence combination after the trade happened: “Haynesworth could still end up with the Eagles. And if that’s where Haynesworth wants to be, all he has to do is act a little bit in Foxboro like did last year in D.C.”
Whether or not it was intentional, Haynesworth indeed performed on Sunday like he did in Washington, loafing to the point where Pats coach Bill Belichick had no choice but to cut him loose.
The question now becomes whether the 3-5 Eagles believe that adding Haynesworth could help a team with a razor-thin margin for error to turn things around.
Since the trade deadline has passed, Haynesworth will be subject to waivers. If the Eagles, or anyone else, puts in a claim for his contract (which was dramatically reduced after the trade), the new team will assume the risk of a $1 million bonus based on 20-percent playing time and other incentives based on his ability to get on the field.
It’s more likely that Haynesworth will slip through waivers unclaimed, allowing the Eagles to pursue him as a free agent.
