TOP 3 SIGNEES Washington Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth
Former Tennessee Titan DT Albert Haynesworth signed a mega-contract contract with the Washington Redskins on Feb. 27. The deal is for seven years at $100 million. The two-time All-Pro will receive $32 million over the first 13 months. To put that in perspective, New York Yankees third-baseman Alex Rodriguez, who signed a $250 million deal, only makes $25 million over a 12 month period. Haynesworth is also the first non-quarterback in NFL history to secure a $100 dollar deal. The signing will give the Redskins instant defense despite the lack of offensive firepower.
Seattle Seahawks WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
You say Houshmandz-ay-deh, I say Houshmandz-ah-deh. No matter how his name is pronounced, the Seattle Seahawks are saying "yes." After signing the former Cincinnati Bengal to a five-year deal worth $40 million, including $15 million guaranteed, the Seahawks drastically boosted their wide receiver position, which has been missing for years. The Seahawks finally have the right parts to make another Super Bowl push.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Derrick Ward
Earlier in the week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut several veteran players including long-time running back Warrick Dunn. Now, the Bucs have a legitimate backup for Cadillac Williams who will make an immediate impact. Ward was extremely effective last year as Brandon Jacobs' backup for the New York Giants. Rushing for over 1,000 yards on limited carries, Ward will have a huge coming-out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
TOP 3 RELEASES Denver Broncos Brian Dawkins
The 13-year veteran had spent his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles until he was cut mid-February. This was a good move for the Eagles despite the loss of a hometown hero. Dawkins is getting old and was looking for a five-year deal. There isn't a defensive back on the planet that can be effective as a 40-year old. The Denver Broncos at least have the ability to end the contract after two years if they see fit. This deal could have ended worse than Ryan Leaf's career.
Free Agent DE Jason Taylor
After refusing to workout in Washington for the summer, the Redskins were forced to cut the All-Pro defensive end. The Washington Redskins and Taylor also did not see eye-to-eye on contract negotiations, which sealed Taylor's fate. The six-time pro bowler will sign with a new team soon because many teams are seeking an impact defensive end. However, the loss of Taylor will not hurt the Redskins who are still celebrating the Haynesworth signing.
Indianapolis Colts WR Marvin Harrison
This was inevitable. The underperforming, aging Colt wide receiver had been an eight time All-Pro but had faced many distractions recently. Not only is Harrison too old - he has been facing accusations dealing with the bar and carwash that he owns in Northern Philadelphia. Last summer, there was a reported shooting outside of the carwash and the gun that was fired belonged to Harrison. The gun was registered and legal. The loss of the receiver ends a very special era. Colts QB Peyton Manning and WR Marvin Harrison have the NFL record for receptions and touchdowns for a QB-WR tandem.
You can reach this writer at sports@theeagleonline.com.
