Albert Haynesworth to Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Why This Move is Genius

It didn't take long for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to find a new home after being cut yesterday by the New England Patriots. The troublesome (and once-effective) player is now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, the team that came up most often when discussing possible landing spots for Haynesworth after being released.

The Buccaneers just lost second-year defensive tackle Gerald McCoy for the year, after tearing his biceps for the second time in as many seasons. With Tampa Bay priding itself on a stout run defense, a proper (ideally veteran) replacement was an immediate need.

And fortunately for them, one came on the market at exactly the right time. While one might think at first glance that there's nothing fortunate about having a malcontent like Haynesworth on the roster, with even the venerable Bill Belichick trying and failing to turn him around, it's apparent that the Buccaneers know what they're getting into.

When Haynesworth chose to leave the Tennessee Titans and test the free-agent market, the Buccaneers offered him $50 million which he rejected to join the Washington Redskins on the merit of the $100 million payday they gave him.

They've likely monitored his progress—or lack thereof—since that failed attempt at signing him and see in him the kind of talent they've been lacking at his position, despite the disappointment he's left in his wake.

And they get him at tremendous value, as well. Instead of $50 million two years ago, they now get him at the prorated price of $706,000. That's clearly not too much for the Bucs to pay for a player they've always wanted as position where they have serious need.

While it's yet to be seen if this acquisition will result in the rebirth of Haynesworth's career, it's hard to say that Tampa Bay made the wrong decision by signing him. They weighed the risks, they're clearly aware of his reputation and they got him at the right price.

One team's trash often turns to another team's treasure—though Haynesworth hasn't proven anything on the field for Tampa yet, at least he won't be looting the team's coffers should he fail to measure up yet again.