NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Redskins and Titans are in discussions about a trade of disgruntled defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
Washington signed Haynesworth to a $100 million contract in 2009 as a free agent, and the lineman accepted a $21 million bonus in April. It’s been a nonstop battle of wills between Redskins coach Mike Shanahan and the ex-Tennessee star since then.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher was asked about the team’s interest during his weekly radio show, and he said Haynesworth is under contract with the Redskins.
“If they’re willing to look into the possibility of dealing him, of course we’ll listen to them. We listen to those types of things almost every day,” Fisher said. “This just happens to be a big story because of the circumstances and the situation that arose with the offseason payment and then of course with all the drama associated with the offseason conditioning and the conditioning test and everything. Our focus right now is on the Raiders.”
Washington quarterback Donovan McNabb also discussed Haynesworth on a radio show and said the Redskins can’t win without the veteran tackle.
“He plays a major part on our defense, and everyone knows that,” McNabb told ESPN980. “It’s just unfortunate what’s been going on and how everything has transpired, but that’s the game of football, and I think he’ll handle it the right way.”
McNabb said his sprained ankle isn’t 100 percent, but it won’t keep him from starting Sunday night against Dallas.
“Yes, I will be starting this weekend,” McNabb said, “and I look forward to it.”
NFL tweaks umpire rule.
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning complained, the NFL listened and now the league is making additional tweaks to the umpire rule.
All 32 teams were told in a memo from the league the umpire will position himself 12 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped instead of approximately 15 yards, which was used during the preseason. The umpires must now only get beyond the deepest running back — not established in position — before the ball can be snapped.
The changes should make it easier for teams to use the no-huddle offense. That should please Manning, who expressed his frustration after an Aug. 26 loss at Green Bay.
Officials will now have the discretion to issue a warning before enforcing the 5-yard penalty for an illegal snap. Clear violations, the memo said, will continue to be penalized without a warning.
Footnotes.
Quarterback Josh Freeman practiced for the first time since breaking the thumb on his throwing hand and expects to play Sunday in the Buccaneers’ season opener against the Browns.
• Dolphins football czar Bill Parcells has given control of the team to general manager Jeff Ireland but will retain a role as a daily consultant.
• The Seahawks re-signed safety Jordan Babineaux and waived defensive tackle Craig Terrill.
The Associated Press
