Redskins Going After Haynesworth

From Jason Reid and Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post:

The Washington Redskins plan to pursue Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth if he becomes a free agent tomorrow -- though it appears their salary cap situation might prevent them from signing the Pro Bowl performer -- and hope to reach a contract agreement with cornerback DeAngelo Hall before the market opens, NFL sources said yesterday.

The Redskins also have significant interest in Dallas defensive end Chris Canty, according to league sources, who would be a far less expensive alternative to Haynesworth, and are seeking upgrades along the offensive line, though likely only by pursuing second-tier free agents.

League tampering rules prohibit teams from beginning the process of signing free agents before 12:01 a.m. tomorrow. But the sources, who requested anonymity because of the rules, said owner Daniel Snyder and Vinny Cerrato, Washington's executive vice president of football operations, have already laid the groundwork to attempt to acquire Haynesworth, considered the top defensive player who could become available. Another option being considered by the team is Canty, a versatile end who can play the run and pass rush from the interior on third downs.

The team would have the wherewithal to sign only one of those defensive linemen given its limited cap room. The Redskins regard Haynesworth -- who reportedly wants to be the league's highest-paid defensive player -- as one of only a few impact players capable of raising the play of the entire defense. Tennessee, Atlanta, Detroit and Tampa Bay are other teams that have Haynesworth atop their wish lists, according to league sources, with most of those clubs having exponentially more cap space than the Redskins with which to complete deals.

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