by JJ Cooper
If there was any question about Albert Haynesworth hitting the free agent market, it's now been answered. When Haynesworth was named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday, it automatically triggered a clause in his contract that ensures that the Titans won't franchise him in the offseason.
Haynesworth likely wouldn't have needed the Pro Bowl appearance, as he also could have avoided the franchise tag by playing in 53 percent of the team's defensive snaps if Tennessee won 10 games (they've already won 11). But the Pro Bowl berth means that the Titans can start preparing to put together a masive offer to keep their biggest star.
There may be some concerns about whether Haynesworth will keep the same level of intensity with a long-term deal, but Haynesworth has now produced at a elite level for two seasons, and it's hard to imagine the Titans' defense without him in the middle.
If you're trying to put a number on what Haynesworth can expect this offseason, Shaun Rogers signed a contract extension before the season that pays him $23 million over the first three years. Haynesworth is a more reliable and better performer than Rogers, so it's very possible that his deal will exceed Rogers in total money.
Pro Bowl Berth Sets Haynesworth Free originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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