Philadelphia Eagles: Should They Consider Pursuing Albert Haynesworth?

With the Eagles bringing in former Tennessee Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn, there have been questions as to whether the Eagles might look into pursuing former Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

Haynesworth spent seven seasons under Washburn and has a lot of kind words about his former coach, saying, “I owe Coach Wash pretty much everything.”

So will the two be reunited? That’s up for debate.

As of late, Haynesworth has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. After signing a monster contract with the Redskins, Haynesworth has been a headache for the organization. He’s voiced that he doesn’t want to be a part of a 3-4 defense and has been quite a diva.

In the offseason last year, Haynesworth repeatedly failed a conditioning test and was late getting into training camp. He only played in eight games this season, and now the Redskins are ready to move him.

Clearly, the Eagles have to be a front runner in terms of where Haynesworth would like to end up. The Eagles run a 4-3 defense, and it would give him a chance to reunite with his favorite coach. However, just because Haynesworth wants to come to Philadelphia doesn’t necessarily mean he will.

In looking into the situation, the Eagles will first have to evaluate Haynesworth’s attitude. As I mentioned, he’s been quite the headache for the Redskins. He’s been like a defensive T.O., and the Eagles have already seen how that kind of attitude can work out. However, like T.O., the guy has a lot of talent.

Also, Haynesworth will turn 30 this June, and we know that 30 is the magic number in Philadelphia. The Eagles tend to show a lot of caution towards players when they hit 30, so they’ll have to strongly consider how much tread is left on Haynesworth’s tires.

If the Eagles are interested in Haynesworth, the biggest deciding factor will be what the Redskins want for him. With the way things have gone, the Redskins may not ask for much in return to get Haynesworth out of their hair. The Eagles aren’t going to be willing to give up a whole lot to get a player with so many question marks.

If the guy is ready to get things back on track and the Redskins are willing to part with him for a low price, it could be a great option for the Eagles. Haynesworth and Antonio Dixon could be a very good combination for the Eagles in the middle.

In the end, I think the Eagles need to explore the option at the very least. They have an insider, in Washburn, that they will be able to consult about his feelings. In all likelihood, Washburn will want to be reunited with Haynesworth and get him back into Pro Bowl form.

However, it’s going to take more than Haynesworth and Washburn wanting to reunite for a deal to get done.