Albert Haynesworth: Why Eagles Should Target Him over Nnamdi Asomugha

The end of the NFL Lockout may finally be near. Fans have anxiously awaited the beginning of free agency for months. There is a plethora of marquee players that could instantly vault a team into the Super Bowl conversation.

The Philadelphia Eagles have been a hot topic during this offseason with articles on Kevin Kolb's potential landing spot being published faster than you can read them.

Eagles Nation has been begging for the signing of free agent (and shut down corner) Nnamdi Asomugha to play opposite Asante Samuel, but he would not be the free agent who'd have the biggest impact on the Eagles defense this season.

Albert Haynesworth is the big man in the middle that would return the Eagles defense to the machine it was under Jim Johnson. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have Nnamdi and Haynesworth but it's more likely that they will only sign one player.

Here are the top five reasons why the Philadelphia Eagles should target Albert Haynesworth over Nnamdi Asomugha.

5. Improved Pass Rush Means Better Secondary

The Eagle's secondary would instantly be upgraded with the addition of Nnamdi Asomugha, but the entire Eagle's defense would be improved with the addition of Albert Haynesworth.

The guy is the most dominant interior defensive lineman in the NFL today, and his 6'6" 340 lb. frame would be the one occupying the double and triple-teams. Trent Cole would finally be able to rush the quarterback without facing constant double-teams and he would be more effective later in the season.

The Eagles secondary may include youngsters Jaiquawn Jarrett and Nate Allen in 2011, and the most helpful thing for a defensive back is an effective pass-rush.

When is the last time the Eagles were able to get after the quarterback with just their front four? Haynesworth would make everyone on the defensive line better, and allow for the Eagles to play more coverage with their linebackers and defensive backs.

4. Jim Washburn

Why would the Washington Redskins pay a guy that has a history of weight problems $100 million? Albert Haynesworth should be required to give Jim Washburn a good chunk of his paycheck.

Washburn was able to utilize the immensely talented Haynesworth in a way in which he could be most effective. The results were 24 sacks for an interior defensive lineman (against double and triple-teams) and a guy that could single-handedly control a game.

No one knows how much of an impact Albert Haynesworth can have on the Philadelphia Eagles defense than Jim Washburn. Sheil Kapadia of Philly.com wrote a piece with Wasburn claiming how "badly he wants Haynesworth."  http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/moving_the_chains/Washburn-pushing-for-Haynesworth.html

We have heard countless times this offseason that Jim Washburn is the best defensive line coach in the NFL, and I say let's give the man what he wants.

3. Wouldn't Cost Much

The Albert Haynesworth saga in Washington D.C. has clearly run its course but would the Washington Redskins really allow an impact player like Haynesworth sign with a division rival?

Let's not forget that the Eagles traded away Donovan McNabb for a pick that turned into Nate Allen. The Redskins could decide to cut Haynesworth which would allow the Eagles to pursue the defensive tackle like he was a free agent.

Also, the Redskins could decide to see what compensation they would get for Haynesworth and the Eagles might be forced to part with a third round pick. The Eagles are loaded with draft picks in the middle-rounds and would be able to do this.

Acquiring a healthy and motivated Albert Haynesworth for a third-rounder would be like stealing candy from a baby.

2. Something to Prove

Let's not forget that the Washington Redskins changed to a 3-4 defense after Albert Haynesworth signed with them. The Philadelphia Eagles still run a 4-3 defense which allows for a guy like Albert to attack up-field and not just serve as a big body that can fill holes.

Haynesworth was one of the most coveted free agents of this decade and he was rewarded with the largest contract ever for a defensive player. The Redskins paid him an exorbitant amount of money via a signing bonus and his contract is reasonable for the Eagles in the future.

Haynesworth is ready to prove to the NFL that he deserved to be paid like the most dominating player in the game, and he will return to the Pro-Bowl Albert Haynesworth from the Tennessee Titans this season with the Eagles.

The man has a lot to prove to a lot of people, let him prove it on our side of the line of scrimmage.

1. Too Many Suitors for Nnamdi?

Teams across the NFL have been linked to reports that they are willing to pursue the top-prize in free agency heavily. Heck, even the Houston Texans and their worst pass-defense in the NFL think that one guy will turn their fortune's around.

The problem with Asomugha is that he will indeed cost a fortune. A new CBA will not allow for the free-spending approach that teams were able to take last year in a non-cap year.

Signing Asomugha would be great, but would it be better than the Eagles signing Albert Haynesworth and Reggie Bush? How about Haynesworth, Bush and Plaxico Burress?

The Philadelphia Eagles realize that they have one of the most explosive and talented offenses in the NFL today. They have at least four players that can score every time they touch the ball.

They have some nice pieces on defense and are only a player or two away from being serious Super Bowl contenders. The Eagles finally need to go all-in this offseason and fill their glaring holes.

The interior defensive line and it's lack of a push has been a glaring weakness on this team for nearly a decade. Give the "most loyal fans in the NFL" according to Forbes Magazine a guy who has something prove.

A guy that was thought of so highly that he was given the largest contract in NFL history for a defensive player. Give them Albert Haynesworth.

Oh, and Reggie Bush, Jason Babin and Plaxico Burress.