Last week, Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth checked in for the offseason workout program, and then he promptly checked out.
So why isn’t he working out with the team? Haynesworth told Adam Schein and Rich Gannon of Sirius NFL Radio’s The Sirius Blitz that the Pro Bowler who went bust in his first year with the Redskins plans to work out on his own this time around.
“Last year, I worked out with the Redskins, and the year that we had and all that stuff wasn’t great, by any means,” Haynesworth said. “I’m getting back to basics, what got me to be one of the top defensive players in the NFL, and that’s what I plan on doing.”
Haynesworth said that new coach Mike Shanahan doesn’t agree with the approach, but that Shanahan said he respects Haynesworth for being candid about it. Haynesworth also was very complimentary of the ability to approach and talk to Shanahan.
But the relationship is strained, for now. Haynesworth isn’t happy with the switch to a 3-4, but he acknowledges that there’s nothing he can do about it, given that he’s under contract in D.C. “Whatever they ask me to do, that’s what I’m gonna do,” he said, with what seemed to be more than a hint of resignation in his voice.
Haynesworth also suggested that if he knew in early 2009 what he knows now, he possibly would have signed with a different team. He pointed to having “too many chiefs” in D.C., and while he stopped short of saying that owner Daniel Snyder is too involved, Haynesworth pointed out that Titans owner Bud Adams rarely was in the facility during Haynesworth’s seven seasons in Tennessee.
As the offseason progresses, it remains to be seen whether Haynesworth shows up for the portion of the voluntary offseason program that entails on-field work, which this year will involve installation of a brand-new defense. He said he prefers playing end in the 3-4, because he thinks it’ll be the same as playing defensive tackle in a 4-3. If he comes to a different conclusion in this regard, we think anything is possible, including a request for a trade.
So this thing has the potential to get a lot messier, and the Redskins might eventually be sorry they ever met Haynesworth.
There’s a good chance they’re already sorry.
