Albert Haynesworth rumors persist

It's no secret the Tampa Bay Buccaneeers are likely to address their defensive line this offseason.

The team's breakdowns in stopping the run late in the season practically make it a requirement. To that end, it's become impossible to deny that a growing chorus of people around the league are talking about the Bucs when the topic of Tennessee All-Pro DT Albert Haynesworth comes up. Tampa Bay is considered by many NFL insiders to be a possible landing spot for perhaps this year's top free-agent prize. And we're not talking about media here. We're talking agents and people in front offices -- those in the know.

Yes, it's early. Free agency doesn't begin until Feb. 27 and teams aren't technically supposed to be engaged in free-agent talks before then. But that doesn't mean subtle signals aren't being sent by teams that wish to acquire big-time free agents. Generally, where there's smoke there's fire when this many people are talking about a potential move.

It's worth mentioning that one of the reasons some are likely making the connection between the 6-6, 320-pound Haynesworth and the Bucs is because of the team's enviable salary-cap position. The Bucs will have well over $40-million in cap space when the 2009 league calendar begins. So, they are one of only a few teams that can easily offer the sort of money Haynesworth wants -- a salary that likely makes him the league's highest-paid defender.

"I want to be the top, not among the top,'' Haynesworth told reporters at the Pro Bowl last week. ''That' s how the market goes. They put you as the top free agent, so you got to demand top dollar. . . . Hopefully the Titans step up. If they don't, I'm looking ." 

But, that said, this is certainly something to keep an eye on. And if the Bucs actually do make a run at Haynesworth, it could lead to the team's biggest acquisition -- and we do mean big -- in a long, long time.

For all of his considerable talent, Haynesworth also has a history of problems on the field, including a five-game suspension in 2006 for stomping on the head of helmet-less Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode.

That same year, he set off a training camp brawl by kicking center Justin Hartwig. In 2003, he was deactivated for a game after hitting tackle Matt Martin in the back of the head.

Comments

[Drew]

This is a test to see if I registered OK.

[Drew]

Registration is required.

[Drew]

TypePad "Registration is required". Occurs when posting after login. This is annoying as HELL.

[common sense]

Correct me if I'm wrong but won't the Titans Franchise him? PLEASE end all the talk about Cassell, he hasn't proved a thing. He is not worth the money or the number 1 picks. Did you all forget about Scott Mitchell.

[Cameron]

Albert Haynesworth cannot be franchised this year due to the fact that in his one year tender offer he signed last year it had a no additional franchise clause.

Please get him in pewter and red, show the fans who actually like you (not Man U fans) that you actually give a darn about the product you place on the field

[Jon]

close Cameron, he cannot be tagged again because a clause in the contract he signed last season stated that, if he went to the pro bowl this year, the Titans could not franchise him again.

Keep this number in mind: $100million. That's what he wants. He wants to be the highest paid defensive player, ever. We did it with Simeon. We did it with Faine. Let's do it with Haynesworth.

[RaysforaBuc]

Mr. Holder. Last week you had us trading all our pics and using upwards of 25% of our surplus cap space on Matt Cassel and you cited "creditable sources". This week "people in the know" have us grabbing Haynesworth. Who are these sources of yours? Conjecture is NOT Journalism. Simply repeating what the talking heads on ESPN speculate about is not Journalism! And just because they work at ESPN doesn't make the in the know. I don't believe you have a relationship with anyone in the front office of any pro team. Heck I can repeat everything I see on TV too and pass it off as original thought (or fact)!

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Bucs will make a play at Haynesworth but all that Haynesworth has said is that he'd like a long term deal with the TITANS. I'll take it from the horses mouth first. Why don't you pick up the phone and do some real investigating before you Journal-bate all over the place?

[Jay]

So Raysforabuc, when we sign Haynesworth, are you planning on apologizing, or are you just going to be smug and aloof about the signing bonus? Maybe complain that we overpaid?

Because the same thing that ESPN sees, what Stephen Holder sees, and what Haynesworth's agent sees, is a team in Tampa Bay that can both afford, AND utilize his talents. And no, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that the Bucs will make a play for him, but I guess you DO have to be a complete and total disrespectful tool to leave a stupid comment like that.

[aaron]

This will be the true test for the Glazers and to see how much freedom/pull Dominik has as our new gm. Mark, i am sure sees the value of having somebody like Haynesworth. He will cost a pretty penny. Will the Glazers give Mark the green light to give him all that money? Will Mark fight or plead his case to the Glazers about how much he is needed? I am very interested to see how this plays out. We have more than enough money to go get him, sign Antonio Bryant and go get another WR such as TJ or a possible trade for Anquan. We have the cap space. Now lets see if we use it.

[Opinion Master]

hopefully dominik and Morris can get Hayneworth as well as lock up Bryant, before even sniffing around Cassel.

I would'nt be to against a QB battle between the 3 on currently on the roster., as long as Greise don't win it.

curious to see what Johnson has as well as an extended stint for McCown

[Valrico Rick]

Haynesworth or his agent can't talk about signing anywhere else because he is still under contract with the Titans until the 27th. The only team he can mention is the Titans and the only thing they can say in public is they are going to explore all possibilities and want a fat long term contract

[Brandon]

Yes, Valrico, and as you and I both know, his agent has likely already been in contact with a dozen teams regarding their desire for playmaking DT (not to name any names).

I don't like Haynesworth, he is a punk, arrogant and a poor sport that tends to let himself get out of shape. He should be a GREAT fit, he is the player we need. We need to go back to the methods of old and starting spending our $$$ and picks on our DL first and foremost. Haynesworth, as unlikeable and risky as he might be, would be a great step in the right direction.

Then going out in the draft and drafting a speedy edge rusher to put on the other side of Adams would be ideal (1st rounders- Orakpo, Michael Johnson, 2nd and beyond-Robert Ayers, Connor Barwin, Larry English, Paul Kruger, Lawrence SIdbury) would really put the bite back in this defense.

[Brandon]

BTW, when I say all those things about Haynesworth, it reminds me of what many have said about another DT that used to play in Tampa... it is because of his playmaking ability, however, that I want him to be a Buc.

[Vince]

The Bucs would be stupid to sign Haynesworth. He is Michael Clayton on steroids (i.e. only plays well in contract years). Still, they may sign him if for no other reason than to create a splash. Sad, but true.

[Vince]

From 2002 to 2006 (non-contract years), Haynesworth never had more than 2 sacks per year. What is he going to do after signing a big, long-term deal?

[Stephen Holder]

RaysforaBuc, you are misquoting me a bit there. If you go back and look at the Cassel post, I said specifically that it was pure speculation on my part. I readily admitted that. I didn't say I was basing it on sources. I just said others in the media were asking the same questions I was. The difference here is that NFL folks are buzzing about this. That might ultimately mean nothing, but I don't think this rumor fell out of the sky.

[Adam]

Haynesworth...then Anquan Boldin. Draft a running back.... now you got a team!

[BucFandango]

My concern with "Big Money Haynesworth" is injury, injury & injury. I belive he has been injured at least 3 times in the last 2 seasons. They have lead to missed games as well. He had a head injury from the Freak's knee that knocked him cold. He has had a left knee injury and also a shoulder injury. The guy is undoubtedly a Beast. He can put up the numbers, but $100 million for a guy that may never see his first game in uniform if another injury occurs. This is the problem with OVERPAYING for superstars. I would rather see us go after Rocky Bernard, Bertrand Berry or Antonio Smith. You could probably get 2 of these guys for the price of one Haynesworth. If the Bucs Get Haynesworth and he gets hurt, the only bowl the Bucs will go to is the Toilet Bowl.

[skp]

forget fat albert, let it ride on peppers...he plays every game and takes care of his body....get a big boy in the draft or a lesser FA

[FuriousStyles]

Well, it seems that we are forgetting that we get run all over in the second half and with a BIG body like Haynesworth in the middle commanding attention (Double teams), Hovan and Adams should have more productivity. Can anyone recall Sapp doing this and Simeon have great seasons. I agree to not over spending on him, but he will make this defense great and not just good. AB needs to be resigned and Bolden needs to be back home in Florida showing off. Our other DE can come from the draft(2nd Rd) and learn like Gaines has from Kevin Carter. We will be fine with a new coach and GM that don't have ego problems and that players like. Let's sit back and watch this unfold into something special again.

[Erick]

I think this guy would be a huge addition, pardon the pun. But, I'm not sure he's worth 100 million, especially with the injury concerns. I'm all about incentive contracts. If he plays every game and has an impact then pay him. Just giving him 40 million up front and hoping for the best is kinda risky. I do REALLY like the guy and hope the Bucs make a run at him.

I'm pretty sure Peppers said that he wants a 3-4 team, but he would be a nice mentor for Adams if he came here.

[imabucfan]

Sign Albert Haynesworth, resign Antonio Bryant long term, Garcia 2yrs, McCown, draft a future QB and get a running back that can take advantage of our solid O-line. Haynesworth will make Adams better and they will pressure the opposing qb's and allow our secondary to make plays. Garcia needs to quit holding the ball and throw to Bryant and Anquan Boldin (oops, is that too much excitement for BUC fans?) I agree with a previous post, I am a fan who REALLY CARES about the quality of the product we put on the field, not defending them like a high school team with a cute little pirate ship playground. THIS IS THE YEAR TO PUT UP THE MONEY, GLAZERS! GIVE US EXCITING FOOTBALL, NOT CHUCKY-CHEESE GRIMACES WHILE STARING AT THE SCOREBOARD!!!

[Robert]

RAYSFORABUC.. YOU ARE A MORON AND NEED TO POST FOR THE RAYS AND LEAVE FOOTBALL TO THE MEN. RICK AND STEPHEN KEEP US REAL BUC FANS IN THE LOOP AND DO IT WELL. YOU BLAST STEPHEN AND YOUR DUMB A%% DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TRUE FACTS. YOU ARE AN IDIOT IF I NEVER KNEW ONE! STEPHEN I HOPE WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD HAPPENS! HOVAN AND HAYNESWORTH CLOGGING UP THE MIDDLE WOULD BE GREAT CONSIDERING THE KIND OF SPEED WE HAVE SIDE TO SIDE! WE NEED TO GET PRESSURE ON THE QB. IF WE DON'T RONDE WILL SOON BE DONE WITH THE BUCS. HE CAN'T STAY IN COVERAGE AS LONG AS HE USED TO. I THINK DOMINIK AND MORRIS ARE DOING GREAT SO FAR AND I THINK WE WILL BE EXCITED ABOUT THE FA'S WE GET AS WELL AS THE DRAFT!

[OAR]

Robert all the way to the left on your keyboard. Now third key up from bottom, there it is. Now please use it. My head hurts from reading your posts.
And your calling someone an moron/dumb a-- or even jack a--, too funny.

[OAR]

sorry I meant....and "you are" calling

[Opinion Master]

i'm not a cap guru by any stretch of the imagination, but wouldn't signing haynesworth (i'm guessing 8 mil a year), Tagging Bryant (9+ mil a year) and trying to lure Boldin who wants a big contract (7-9 mil. a year) pretty much eat up most of the 40 mil available?

[D Block]

ok there are 5 teams that have 30 million or over this yr. 1. Tampa Bay: $42 million
2. Arizona: $41m
3. Denver: $34m
4. Kansas City: $33m
5. Tennessee: $31m
The Bucs have a hell of a shot at Haynesworth or anyone else they really want in FA.

[D Block]

Opinion Master you are right if that was to happen there wouldn't be much cap rm left if any. Boldin can complain all he wants but he is under contract. He didn't meet the requirements in his contract to have the option to opt out this yr. Remember Chad did the same thing last yr, then he realized the team has the final say. Sign Bryant & Phillips 1st before they hit the market.

[D Block]

If the Bucs can land Haynesworth great in my opinion. I believe Jenkins is the highest paid D lineman at 9.5 mill. But i could be wrong as far as the highest paid Defensive player i don't know who that is. I do know that Haynesworth is one of the best DT's in the league and will make the D a lot better if he is healthy. I also believe the bucs should target Asomuagha CB from Oak, he is the best at his position. There will be a lot of 1 on 1 in Bates system we only have 1 cover CB Talib. Ronde is old and Buchannon isn't the answer, Mack looks promising. Tj would be a great add but he wants to play with Mcnabb where he can be the number 1.

[Dave]

Mike Tomlin won the Super Bowl with Bill Cowhers' team. Just sayin'...

[D Block]

dv7401 That's bull i didn't see Cowher call any plays. He was 2 yrs removed and more then half of Cowher's staff was gone only member remaining was Lebeau. If anything the refs won with Cowhers team a whole lot of miscalls when it came down to Pit being in the wrong. The block in the back on the interception return for TD! Please if anything it shows how Cowher didn't do that much, Lebeau ran the D then runs it now!!! Whisenhut is in Ari & so is Grimm!

[Str8BucIn]

D Block that's a great call on Nnamdi... He is the best in the game at his position. He is the new "Prime Time" as no one throws his way. Haynesworth, Nnamdi, Boldin and resign AB. Raheem and Mark will make a serious run at the Lombardi Throphy if they are allowed to spend some of that money that the Glazers have been stockpiling. dv7401, so did Tomlin lose last year with Cowhers team? I'm just sayin, LMAO.

[RaysforaBuc]

Hilarious that my fandom is called into question and my manhood.

While I misquoted a bit on Cassel (apologies) the point that I didn't make clearly is you seem to think the same way Gruden did. Let's get above average guy A and good guy B and C,D,F throw them in a pot and hope they'll mesh. While we're at it let's throw tons of money and draft picks away to get these schlubs.

The success the team had under Dungy was mostly done by player development. I made this point last week. Let Dominik, Williams and Morris build through the draft and develop the players to set us up for a long time to come.

And Robert, you're obviously an educated person implying that Men don't play baseball. Unlike you and your brilliance (to stick to the knowledge of one sport only) my moronic soul actually likes to branch out and experience a panzy sport like baseball. G-d forbid to route for two Tampa Bay teams. I have sinned deeply and thank you for showing me the error of my ways.

[RaysforaBuc]

root ooops. See robert I just proved your point for you.

[Jasonhouse]

I would definitely stay away from Haynesworth... He's too expensive, too unstable and seems to be a 'show me the money' player, not a 'for the love of the game' player. We don't need a player who is less of a team leader and less productive than Sapp, but who gets paid more and causes more controversy both on and off the field. We don't need another Simeon Rice type of player, even if this one can defend the run. We need players more like Brooks, Barber, Kelly, Lynch. All outperformed their pay, both on the field and off of it.

I've never been a fan of locking up so much cap space on one player in a game that is so violent, with such high odds of injury to any given player on any given sunday. Look what happened to the RBs this this year. Graham goes down for the year, then Caddy comes back form blowing one knee out, and just when he's finally getting his legs under him again, the other ones goes.

Which leads me to my ultimate point, this team needs DEPTH more than anything. And when I say depth, I don't mean backups to current starters, but new starters who push and replace current ones. When it comes down to it, the Bucs have needs all over the place... RB, DL, CB, QB, WR... And I wouldn't mind seeing Penn at least pushed at LT. He's solid, but he gets beat too much in pass blocking.

I would much rather see the Bucs use their $40+ million to go out and get several players who could become Pro-Bowlers in our system, rather than bring in 2-3 high priced Pro Bowlers, and then cross our fingers that they don't get hurt, don't let the money go to their heads, fit in here, and continue to be a Pro Bowler here... When you look at the statistics, it's much more common to find the former, rather than the latter.

[Stacy]

I agree w/what many of you have said but I have a little different perspective. Haynesworth can want in one hand and s..t in the other. We should go after him but only offer what we are willing to spend..what ever that may be based upon the other acquisitions we r after, WR,QB,RB,CB etc. If he does'nt like the offer and wants to go back to Tenn then so be it. Contrary to his PC act, I do not believe he likes it there. This year, as many of you have already stated, DT position players r far more plentiful than years past. Hey, I WANT 35,000.00 for my 2003 Mustang. Guess what....aint gonna get it. Lol

[Stacy]

dv7401...Try your B.S. on someone who cares..click on the following Pitt link and blog away: http://www.post-gazette.com/ Dont come back - Get the hell off of ours you are taking up space from those who know football.

[Stacy]

dv7401...Try your B.S. on someone who cares..click on the following Pitt link and blog away: http://www.post-gazette.com/ Dont come back - Get the hell off of ours you are taking up space from those who know football.

[Stacy]

I had to tell dv7401 twice in case he forgot the 1st time...Lol - Blod hung up..

[Stacy]

I meant...Blog hung up..

[D Block]

hey "Jasonhouse" it's not that i completely disagree with you at all. But if you can recall that is exactly what Allen did, why waist time with multiple accusitions. When you can get 2 stars

[tampatony]

Signing Haynesworth would be the mistake of the FA Signing period. Tommie Harris would be the smart player to sign. Look at the stats Harris is much more consistent. That would leave additional money for another signing also.

[OAR]

RaysforaBuc, While I agree with the defensive players developing under Dungy, he had no offensive players develop.(ie; Shaun King, J Green, A Riedel, Nilo Silvan, Nigea Carter, Darnell Macdonald, LaMar Glenn, Joe Hamilton, don't think I missed any of Dungy's offensive draft picks. Except Dunn and Alstott, which to me did not need to develop much).

[MCFADDEN21]

Haynesworth AN PEPPERS BOTH WOULD BE GOOD FOR US I LIKE THE BOTH OF THEM

[MCFADDEN21]

WE SHOULD SIGN HAYNESWORTH THEN RESIGN SIMEON RICE THAT WOULD BE GOOD IMAGINE AH HEALTHY RICE , HOVAN , HAYNESWORTH AND ADAMS

[D Block]

Ok someone has a good argument with Tommie Harris over Haynesworth. But if you are gonna bring that up you might as well bring up Steven Jackson! who is a FA. If he hits the market he will be a hell of an addition to any team. I like Harris but Haynesworth is hot right now

[DR]

The Bucs should sign Haynesworth. And get a DE, Peppers would help. Haynesworth and DTs aren't expected to sack QBs. Look at the Titans numbers with and without Haynesworth. They gave up 40+ more yards rushing a game without Haynesworth. that says something. Like Sapp, a talented DE would take advantage of single blocking when offenses double Haynesworth. Rice's became a beast when he had Sapp clogging the middle and demanding doubles. Rice was weak at the rushing attack but was able to disrupt the passing game quite often which made the Tampa 2 work. The Bucs didn't have that last year and the DBs were exposed. All of them.