NFL Free Agency: Redskins a Success with Dismissals of McNabb and Haynesworth

NFL.com reports that the Washington Redskins have dealt malcontent defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth to the New England Patriots.

The news arrives the same morning that Donovan McNabb's trade to the Minnesota Vikings is also confirmed.

By quickly removing the two biggest distractions on the team in 2010, the Redskins' free agency moves can already be deemed a success.

Nobody is questioning the talent of McNabb and Haynesworth.  But the disgruntled duo didn't fit into the Redskins' schemes and bridled under the stewardship of head coach Mike Shanahan and his new staff.

Their very public discontent played a significant role in derailing the Redskins season.  Players began to take sides as the McNabb and Haynesworth sagas dominated Redskins news all season long.

Shanahan and Bruce Allen have only be able to secure low-round compensation for the rebellious pair.  But last season's ugly soap opera meant the stock of both players had plummeted.

Securing any kind of remuneration has to be considered a small victory for the Redskins regime.  Reports indicate that Washington will receive a sixth-round pick in 2012 and 2013 for McNabb.  Haynesworth has fetched a fifth-round choice in 2013.

After making use of 12 selections this year, it is encouraging to see the front office is still stockpiling draft picks.  Having spent so many years callously disregarding the draft to their detriment, the Redskins are now making every effort to develop a sustainable foundation for rebuilding.

The Haynesworth trade in particular is an encouraging sign, following months of worrying speculation hinting that Shanahan may keep him out of spite just to win a battle of wills.

This quick deal is a sign that the notoriously intransigent Shanahan is serious about putting the needs of the team first.

Having already brought in a younger more dependable replacement, Redskins fans and players can breath a sigh of relief that the whole Haynesworth debacle is consigned to history.

McNabb's departure doesn't ease the worries at quarterback and the Redskins still lack a defensive lineman with the playmaking talent of Albert Haynesworth.

But by swiftly dispensing with poorly performing and disruptive big names, Shanahan and Allen have sent out an encouraging message that the culture is changing for the better in D.C.