ASHBURN, Va. — After signing a contract with an NFL-record $41 million in guaranteed money, Albert Haynesworth made a guarantee of his own.
“You’re not going to remember Albert Haynesworth as a bust,” he said.
That’s a tall order, even for a player as talented as Haynesworth. The 27-year-old all-pro defensive tackle has to live up to the $100 million, seven-year contract he signed Friday with the Washington Redskins, a team that snagged the biggest name available within hours of the midnight start of free agency.
“My goal is to be the best player on the field and to eventually get to that Hall of Fame status and be mentioned with Reggie White and Bruce Smith and all the greats,” Haynesworth said.
The Redskins also re-signed cornerback DeAngelo Hall to a $54 million, six-year deal that includes $22.5 million guaranteed.
“We’re not done yet,” added coach Jim Zorn, a few hours before the Redskins agreed to terms with left guard Derrick Dockery on a deal.
Patriots sign RB Taylor
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Running back Fred Taylor signed with New England after spending 11 seasons with Jacksonville. Taylor joins a Patriots team seeking depth at running back, with Laurence Maroney having been bothered by injuries for most of his career. Taylor ran for more than 11,000 yards with the Jaguars and is 16th on the career rushing list.
Browns trade Winslow
CLEVELAND — Cleveland traded Kellen Winslow, a talented and troublesome former Pro Bowl tight end, to Tampa Bay in exchange for undisclosed draft picks.
Footnotes.
Cornerback Domonique Foxworth signed a four-year, $27.2 million contract with the Ravens that included $16.5 million in guaranteed money. Foxworth, who began his career in Denver, played high school football in the Baltimore area and his college ball at Maryland.
• Kerry Collins agreed to a new contract with the Titans after leading Tennessee to an NFL-best 13-3 regular-season record.
• The Jets bolstered their defense, signing former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott to a six-year, $48 million deal.
• Left guard Chris Kemoeatu turned down an offer from the Jets and re-signed with the Super Bowl champion Steelers.
• The Saints agreed to terms with linebacker Jonathan Vilma on a five-year contract, bringing back the team’s leading tackler (151) from last season. Terms were not disclosed.
• Kurt Warner’s agent declined to say whether his client had scheduled visits with any other teams now that the Arizona Cardinals quarterback has become a free agent.
• The Minnesota Vikings acquired quarterback Sage Rosenfels from the Houston Texans and signed him to a two-year, $9 million contract.
• Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick signed with Buffalo, providing the team an experienced backup behind Trent Edwards.
• The 49ers agreed to terms with linebacker Takeo Spikes, return man Allen Rossum and fullback Moran Norris.
The Associated Press
