Is there any chance Haynesworth becomes an Eagle?


I cannot be the first person who had this thought.

The Eagles are likely down a starting defensive tackle, and there's a former All-Pro defensive tackle on the trading block. Sure, that guy is headcase Albert Haynesworth, but should that stop the Eagles from pursuing the trade?

Blockbuster trades are not usually something in which the Eagles partake, but they have done it in the past when they felt it was necessary. They traded for Terrell Owens in 2004, and most recently traded Donovan McNabb within the division to the team that reluctantly employs Haynesworth.

In between they have pulled a lot of smaller trades here and there (Billy McMullen for Hank Baskett, picks for Ernie Sims, Antwan Barnes, and Reggie Wells, a trade deadline move for linebacker Will Witherspoon, etc.), so while they try to stay away from trades, they're clearly not opposed to pulling their fair share.

But, again, would it be wise to add Haynesworth to that list of trades?

As mentioned before, Haynesworth has shown the ability to play like an All-Pro. In the Tennessee Titans' 4-3 scheme he was able to play inside at tackle, outside at end, and switch from side to side.

He was a run-stuffer and also a pass-rushing presence that opened a lot of possibilities for the guys playing beside and around him. That ability earned Haynesworth Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods in 2007 and 2008 as he racked up 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 73 tackles.

Needless to say, that's a guy the Eagles could really use.

Unfortunately, out of Haynesworth's nine-year career, he's only played at an All-Pro level for two seasons -- both of which were contract years. So unless the Eagles can get Haynesworth to agree to one-year deals year after year, he likely will only produce like a middle-of-the-road player but demand to be paid like a superstar.

And if you think for a second that's a player Reid would ever have on his team, then you haven't paid attention to the NFL or the Eagles for very long.

In fact, there were rumors that Haynesworth was offered up as a part of the McNabb trade and the Eagles essentially told the Redskins "thanks, but no thanks."

So while the Eagles likely won't trade for Haynesworth, should they? Or in other words, is Reid's resistance to a player like Haynesworth ultimately a mistake?

Many will say yes, but I don't believe so.

Reid has made it very clear he's going to build a young team, and Haynesworth doesn't fit into that. Giving up draft picks for a guy like Haynesworth might help them win this season, but they're not built to win this season so ultimately the trade would turn out to be a waste.

Brodrick Bunkley will be back next year, and then the team would be left with three starting defensive tackles, but one would be very unhappy as he hits the bench. Unhappy players create controversy and, even though you wouldn't know it by watching the quarterback situation, Reid avoids controversy at all costs.

The more likely scenario is the Birds ride out this "re-tooling" year with Mike Patterson and a rotation of Trevor Laws and Antonio Dixon, while Haynesworth and the Redskins organization pretend they can stand one another.

There's a possibility Haynesworth finishes the 2010 season in a different uniform, but there's almost zero chance Haynesworth is part of a second intradivisional trade between the Eagles and their rivals down the interstate.