Haynesworth Joins the NFC South

A day after being released by the New England Patriots, Albert Haynesworth has been claimed off of waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bucs look fill the spot left empty by an injured Gerald McCoy. In a whirlwind of media, Haynesworth is now on his third team in a years span. Haynesworth was traded to the Patriots in July for a fifth-round draft pick. Haynesworth has been a huge disappointment since signing the monster contract with the Redskins in ’08, and the Bucs can only hope to help him. More on this after the break.

With Gerald McCoy hurt with a torn bicep, the Bucs needed to sign a veteran in order to fill his hole. Luckily, or maybe not, Haynesworth had just been released. When he was sent to the Patriots in the off-season, many people thought it would revitalize a career that had gone astray last season. He feuded with Mike Shanahan, and could barely pass a physical. He’s been labeled lazy and overweight, and lacking in games.

In six games with the Patriots, he only managed three tackles, with no sacks. He was a weak link on the defensive line when the Patriots played him, as he was manhandled as Brandon Jacobs scored a late TD in Sunday’s game.

Raheem Morris isn’t known for his ability to keep players in line (i.e. Aqib Talib and Tanard Jackson). One thing that stands out to me: why would anyone want a player that won’t play well for Bill Belichick or Mike Shanahan. In this situation, a rookie or veteran on a practice squad would have fit better with the Bucs.

Haynesworth is slated to make $705,882 for the remainder of the season. If the Bucs keep Albert he is going to make $6.7 million with a $400,000 roster bonus in August, plus $100,000 for specific off-season workouts.

Hey, as a Panthers fan I like this move. Maybe we can take advantage of Albert’s weaknesses so D-Will and The Daily Show can each have huge games against the Bucs. But, like I said: the move doesn’t make sense, and I doubt he stays on the team very long.