After much speculation as to what Washington would do with their disgruntled defensive tackle, Albert Haynesworth was traded to the New England Patriots for a 2013 fifth-round pick. Haynesworth made it no secret that he was not a fan of playing nose tackle in Washington’s 3-4 defense, but the Patriots also run a 3-4 defense.
During the 2009 offseason, the Redskins signed Haynesworth to a seven-year $100 million contract with $41 million in guaranteed money. He played well in his first season with the Redskins under head coach Jim Zorn, notching 27 QB interuptions and converting 4 of them into sacks. For the season, Haynesworth graded out as the third highest rated DT/NT here at PFF.com.
Mike Shanahan replaced Zorn for the 2010 season, and so began a very rocky relationship. Haynesworth publicly expressed his distaste for the 3-4 that Shanahan runs, while Shanahan doubted Haynesworth’s commitment to proper conditioning. The head coach went as far as devising a conditioning test for Haynesworth that he needed to pass in order to practice with the team. The test, which was two timed 300-yard shuttle runs performed 3 and ½ minutes apart, proved to be Haynesworth’s nemesis on multiple occasions. The sour relationship led to Haynesworth barely seeing the field last season, and rumors of a trade have been floating around ever since.
Looking back at his resume, Haynesworth shined in his time with the Titans. In 2008, he graded out as the second highest rated DT/NT here at PFF.com. He was a disruptive force that season, racking up 39 QB interruptions and 8.5 sacks. He also finished the season with 41 solo tackles, which is impressive for a DT.
There’s no doubt his talent could still be there, however, he again will have to play in a 3-4. Unlike in Washington, he likely will not be asked to play much nose tackle for the Patriots because they have Vince Wilfork. Instead, Haynesworth should see the field as a pass rusher in the New England’s nickel. The question remains, however, whether Haynesworth will bring with him all of the baggage that made his stay in Washington such a tumultuous one.
Fantasy Spin:
Defensive tackles are typically a dime a dozen, and it’s never advisable to invest too much stock in them. However, if Haynesworth actually makes the team, you could possibly take advantage of a fantasy loophole. Sites will undoubtedly classify him as a DT, but he won’t be your typical eat up blockers and get a sack every third or forth game tackle. He’ll be in on pass rush situations, which means he'll play more like a DE who could potentially rack up a bunch of sacks. That would certainly give him fantasy value, but let’s not put the cart in front of the horse. Haynesworth first needs to make the team. So don’t go getting excited and expect 2008 all over again. At the same time, keep your eye on this one as you could snag a potentially strong DT.
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