Philadelphia Eagles: Albert Haynesworth and 5 Possible Defensive Line Additions

With the Philadelphia Eagles currently looking to add to their defensive line, the one big name that stands out is Albert Haynesworth.

Most Eagles fans I have heard from are dreading the idea of Haynesworth and his noted on-and-off-field problems coming to Philadelphia and becoming an expensive headache. But I feel he could return to his old self with the Eagles.

Here's Haynesworth and five defensive linemen that could make an impact on the Eagles' defensive play in the 2011-12 season.

Albert Haynesworth

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona

With he kind of season Albert Haynesworth had last year and a not-so-hot start to 2011, one might wonder if the once-Pro Bowl defensive lineman can return to his tenacious self.

Once Haynesworth learned that new head coach of the Washington Redskins, Mike Shanahan, was going to institute a 3-4 defense, he basically gave up on the idea of playing hard and had a lackluster season. His season began with him not being able to pass the Redskins' conditioning test multiple times, and ended with Haynesworth being suspended for the final four games for basically not getting his way.

Yes it is a risk for the Eagles to pick up Haynesworth, but with the knowledge of how scary-good Haynesworth can be, the Eagles having a 4-3 offense would hopefully bring out the fire inside Haynesworth once again.

One last thing that might make Haynesworth ready to play to his potential is that his former defensive line coach at Tennessee, Jim Washburn, could help Haynesworth knowing he has flourished under his guidance before.

Mathias Kiwanuka

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 12: Mathias Kiwanuka #94 of the New York Giants looks on against the Carolina Panthers on September 12, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Panthers 31-18. (Photo by

Current New York Giants free agent Mathias Kiwanuka had a blazing start to his 2010 season. In the first three games he registered four sacks, 11 tackles and one forced fumble before suffering a herniated disc in his neck that cut his season short.

The Philadelphia Eagles could use Kiwanuka if he has no lingering effects from his neck injury. With the start he was off to last season, he was on pace to being one of the best linemen in the league—but going off just three games might be a jump of the gun.

Kiwanuka should be a good value pickup for whatever team picks him up seeing how he is coming off an injury which will set anyone's stock a little lower than if he was healthy. I feel that overall he would be a good fit on the Eagles' defensive line, improving what was a middle-of-the-pack defensive line a year ago.

Jason Babin

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 03: Jason Babin #93 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after sacking quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at LP Field on October 3, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Im

After a great 2010 season, Tennessee Titans free agent defensive end Jason Babin would be a solid fit with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011.

Babin recorded 12.5 sacks, 58 tackles and two forced fumbles in the 2010 season, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl.

If the Eagles were to bring back Babin it would be his second go-around with the Eagles, having played with them in 2009. He only registered 2.5 sacks and 11 tackles in 12 games with the Eagles in 2009.

If Babin can produce at the level he did last season, the Eagles signing Babin could be a game changer on the defensive side of the ball, something the Eagles could use immensely.

Haloti Ngata

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Haloti Ngata #92 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a play against the New York Jets during their Jets home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by J

Haloti Ngata of the Baltimore Ravens could very well be the best defensive lineman available.

Though his numbers may not be as impressive as the other free agents and trade possibilities available this year, Ngata's game is much more than just numbers.

Ngata recorded 5.5 sacks and 63 tackles in the 2010 season, and was named to the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season.

He can take over a game when he is on the field, and creates opportunities for his teammates to make plays when he is pushing around opposing offensive linemen.

Perhaps the most far-fetched of this list—and the most expensive—due to the Ravens making it a top priority to re-sign Ngata this offseason, the Eagles could really use a player of this magnitude on their defensive line in 2011.

Charles Johnson

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CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 21: Defensive end Charles Johnson #95 of the Carolina Panthers looks up at the stands before the start of their preseason game against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (

The Carolina Panthers' defensive end Charles Johnson had a breakout season last year. The fourth-year veteran recorded 11.5 sacks, 62 tackles and one forced fumble—his 11.5 sacks was more than he had in his entire three seasons before when he compiled 10 total.

The reason for his breakout was that former Panthers star defensive player, Julius Peppers left the team and signed with the Chicago Bears. This made Johnson the focal point of the defensive line and his numbers show he took full advantage of the situation.

Becoming one of the main players on the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive line would yield much of the same numbers for Johnson, and could push the Eagles even further in the playoffs, giving the Eagles just what they were missing on defense last season.

Shaun Ellis

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Shaun Ellis #92 of the New York Jets takes the field with his teammates to play against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. T

Shaun Ellis of the New York Jets had a decent year last season, recording 4.5 sacks, 36 tackles and one forced fumble.

Ellis, a two-time Pro Bowl selection—once in 2003 and most recently in 2009—could easily return to that Pro Bowl form being a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Being just two seasons removed from a Pro Bowl-worthy year, Ellis could offer the Eagles a lot on the field. He won't make as much of an impact as a Charles Johnson or a Haloti Ngata, but he would offer a solid playmaker with the potential to be a major part of the Eagles defensive scheme.

Ellis would be a solid pickup if the Eagles can't sign one of the bigger names on the market this offseason.