Free Agent Target #1: DT Albert Haynesworth

by Brandon on Feb 5, 2009 11:36 PM CST

He's the top free agent on this list, and probably on nearly every other list too. He's arguably been the best defensive player in the NFL over the last two seasons, and every Packer fan that spent the 2008 season watching the Packers' defensive line get rolled over by opposing running backs has probably been eyeing Big Albert for months.

Titans' fans have come to accept that he's been great, and he's probably gone. He'll probably get bigger money somewhere other than in Tennessee, and he's announced publicily that it's time to Show Me The Money.

At least one Titans fan is wondering about his motivation:

To my mind his first adult moment was probably right after that head-stomp. Sure, the past 2 and a half years could have all been an act to get paid, but I get the feeling he learned a lot that day. I think he’s got too much pride to give-up after a big check.

And as we are reminded above, don't forget about the head-stomp.

This guy is a big risk. Not because of his talent; he's one of the best (if not the best) defensive tackle in the NFL, he's only 28 years old, and defensive lineman age slowly. Since defensive tackles don't rely on speed, which is usually the first thing to go for a player, good DTs (think Minnesota's DT Pat Williams as one example) are still good into their 30s. Assuming he avoids major injuries, he'll hold up well.

But he might require the biggest contract, the most guaranteed money, that any player has ever received. All it takes is one team to offer him a crazy contract, believing that he is the one player that they need or the one player who will save the GM's job.

Still, Big Albert might be worth it. But it won't happen. GM Ted Thompson hasn't shown any sign that he's willing to get crazy with a free agent contract. Even the biggest free agent, from another team, that he's ever signed (CB Charles Woodson) was essentially signed to a 1 year contract (although it was officially a 6 year contract). If Woodson didn't work out, then the Packers could have gotten rid of him after the 2006 season with only a slight cap hit. I don't expect Thompson will go anywhere near Haynesworth.

Poll

Should the Packers pursue Albert Haynesworth.

Yes

109 votes

No

45 votes

154 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Big Al

I think the Titans will resign him. They know how to use him best and he thrives in their defensive scheme with that personnel, and they aren’t the same without him.What D would be?
They’ll give him what he wants, but man wouldn’t it be sweet to have a GM who had the guts to shell out some money? But hey, who knows, maybe Bustin Harrell will wake up a monster this year.

by PackaCracka on Feb 6, 2009 12:03 AM CST reply actions

I don't know

I really expected him to stay in Tennessee, but after reading more about his outrageous contract demands, Tennessee might feel they have to let him go. And he’s asking for so much money that there might not be that much push back from the fans because they won’t think he’s worth THAT much money either. It would probably be better for him in Tennessee, but you know how players can make dumb decisions based on their wallets.

by Brandon on Feb 6, 2009 10:54 PM CST up reply actions

Doubtful

And I don’t think it has anything to do with Ted being too cheap. Albert is likely going to want to be the highest paid defender in the league (I think there’s a good chance he’ll get his wish). And while having a great NT is critical in the 3-4, I don’t know that it’s so critical that you get the highest paid defender to man it.

by Phoenix138 on Feb 6, 2009 1:30 AM CST reply actions

i'd still do it

maybe you can find a way to fill the contract with incentives? Although the matter of the guaranteed $$$ remains.

"I'm so clean, cats think I sip Ajax."

by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 6, 2009 6:51 AM CST reply actions

I don't think Ted will do it

but a guy like AH is critical to making his new defense work. I wouldn’t be shocked if he did it. If the team goes .500 or so next year everyone will probably be back, but after that if he doesn’t do well, he’ll be a personnel guy on some other team.

by ol Pete on Feb 6, 2009 2:45 PM CST reply actions

I just don't see it......

The defense was absolutely terrible last year and certain areas needed a complete overhaul. They changed out almost all of the coaches on that side of the ball, and they even switched schemes to the 3-4 after playing a 4-3 for most of my lifetime. This is as close to a sea change on defense as you’ll ever see, and I don’t really think that signing one huge name in free agency is the answer. I’d expect to see the team select mostly defensive players with their picks.

That actually fits pretty well with how the draft is shaping up. I know mock drafts are pretty hit or miss this early in the process, but most of the mock drafts that I’ve loked at have the Packers selecting a premium defensive player at #9. The Packers should be able to land the best 1 or 2 players at any defensive position they want in this draft. Raji, Orakpo, Brown, or even Jenkins at CB would definitely be a step in the right direction.

The problem is that it looks to be difficult for them to improve defensively AND address their other need at the same time, and that other need in my opinion is offensive tackle. Most of the mocks I’ve seen, like this one, project that 4 of the top tackles would be off the board by the time we are on the clock. I’ve heard this is a deep draft at the OT position, but much of that depth may be gone by #9.

I say this is a problem becomes I feel that they should draft defensive players like crazy, but at the same time they will need to explore a few offensive lineman in free agency and I know that FA is a dirty word to Thompson. It just looks to me like it has to happen, because Clifton & Tauscher are hanging on to their careers by a thread right now.

It is dangerous for an athlete to believe his own publicity, good or bad - Bob Uecker, 1982.

by Adam P on Feb 7, 2009 1:38 PM CST reply actions

+1

You said everything perfectly… except the Tauscher situation. He right now a FA but I think he still has alot to offer! Before his injury he still played some good ball. I would love to see him back. But as in Clifton we do need to look at replacement. I dont know what his contract status is (i know he is still under a deal but for how long?) but he seemed like he lost a step this year! And gained on the penalties.

by bizzle4 on Feb 7, 2009 10:06 PM CST up reply actions

Just to clarify.....

I do think that Tauscher has more in the tank than Clifton, but his status is vastly more uncertain. He’s coming off of a serious knee injury late in the season, and since he is a FA like you mentioned the Packers could & should look to replace him with no strings. I’d love to see them bring him back for depth or on an incentive heavy deal of some kind, though.

I believe Clifton signed a 6 year deal back in ‘04. I think he is the final year of that contract, and he counts somewhere around $8MM against the cap in ’09. I’m pretty sure he’s a FA in 2010. We are definitely at the beginning of a transition period at tackle.

I miss the slide, the balloons, and the giant beer mug. :(

by Adam P on Feb 8, 2009 1:27 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks

for the heads up on Clifton, I couldnt remember and did not feel like looking it up! So with the money I think we are stuck with Clifton! But certainly we need someone to fill Tauschs gap because of

1. If a torn ACL takes about a year to fully rehab from. Which means he wouldnt be fully useful until aleast the end of the season

2. If we do not resign him!!!! I truly hope we do! At first i thought about just a one year deal but then rethinking it we would have to do aleast a two year deal since he would probably not be useful until later in the season

by bizzle4 on Feb 8, 2009 9:28 PM CST up reply actions