Should Titans trade for Haynesworth?

The Tennessee Titans failed to resign their all pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth at the end of the 2008 regular season. Washington signed Haynesworth to a lucrative 100 million dollar contract just seconds into free agency. In the final two years of his contract in Tennessee, Haynesworth had his best two statistical seasons as a pro. The Titans greatly benefited, finishing in the top ten in yards allowed and points allowed on defense. The Titans also made the playoffs in both campaigns. Without Haynesworth last year the Titans fell to 28th in both yards per game and points per game allowed, and the domino effect of an invisible pass rush lead to big gains in the passing game. The same secondary that sent numerous people to the pro bowl in 2008 were rendered helpless as they attempted to cover receivers for an extra second or two. Teams had to constantly double team Haynesworth, which allowed the linebackers to flow to the ball without resistance. That made it hard to establish a consistent run game as well. Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn teaches a quick off the ball and up the field approach, a technique embraced by Haynesworth. The Washington Redskins and new head coach Mike Shanahan will use a 3-4 scheme this year, a move that has been publicly criticized by Haynesworth. From cashing his 21 million dollar bonus check and missing mini camps, to reporting to training camp out of shape, to a mysterious illness causing more missed time. Shanahan is clearly at his wit's end and would rather move Haynesworth than let him become a distraction.

So who is rumored to come calling? The Tennessee Titans. I believe the Titans might have made more of an attempt to resign Haynesworth if the asking price had not been so high. With Washington already paying Haynesworth in excess of 30 million dollars guaranteed, the asking price is a lot more attractive to the Titans now. And as far as the stability of Haynesworth, remember he wore a Titans jersey the day he stomped on Andre Gurode's unprotected head. So a draft pick or two and his base salary may be enough to pull the trigger. Especially when you consider the Titans will likely start a rookie cornerback opposite Cortland Finnegan this Sunday. With middle linebacker Gerald McRath missing the first four games and David Thornton starting out on the pup list, it may not be a bad idea to take a chance on someone who's familiar with your system and can come right in and dominate. Head coach Jeff Fisher can ill afford another disastrous September. If you can afford it Tennessee, make the deal.