Are the Titans and All-Pro tackle Albert Haynesworth headed for a split after the 2008-2009 season? Probably. The Titans are caving to Haynesworth's demand that he not be given the franchise tag in 2009 if he plays up to certain incentives. Depending on the incentives Haynesworth can seek his fortune elsewhere in 2009. One of the incentives not likely to be there; games played. Haynesworth has not played a 16 game schedule since he has become a starter. The most games he has played was 13, last season. He missed three games with a hamstring injury and the Titans ween 0-3 in the games he missed.
The Titans and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth have agreed on one thing: establishing incentives allowing the All-Pro to play himself out of the franchise tag next year is a good idea.
Now the two sides must agree on what those incentives will be. If they can do that, Haynesworth will sign his one-year tender and join his teammates at training camp, which begins this afternoon.
Now the two sides must agree on what those incentives will be. If they can do that, Haynesworth will sign his one-year tender and join his teammates at training camp, which begins this afternoon.
We have every intention and hope that we'll be able to get him in here,'' Coach Jeff Fisher said Thursday. "Things are progressing that we'll be able to have him in and he'll be on the practice field as early as (this) afternoon.''
Haynesworth's agent, Chad Speck, could not be reached for comment on Thursday, but there are indications the two sides are within striking distance of an agreement.
Still being debated is what Haynesworth — and the Titans — must do in order for him to earn unrestricted free agency next season. Haynesworth's playing time percentage, his statistical achievements and the number of games the Titans must win are among the things being discussed.
Such an agreement would allow Haynesworth to play himself into free agency next season or put himself in position to be franchised again if he fails to meet the stipulations.
Fisher, who called such a compromise "unlikely" in June, said he believes the issue will be resolved favorably for both sides.
"If it does in fact happen … it does not imply that we are going to cut him loose next year,'' Fisher said. "To me it would be the first step in achieving a long-term goal if we were to resolve that issue that way.''
Clock ticking
After failing to reach a long-term deal with Haynesworth by last week's deadline for franchise players, the Titans and Speck turned their attention to a reworked tender. Haynesworth is scheduled to play the 2008 season under a one-year contract for $7.25 million.
According to the NFL Players Association, Haynesworth played 53.5 percent of the Titans' defensive snaps last season.
But because he missed three games with an injury, the playing time percentage being discussed is likely much higher.
Others sought incentives
Last offseason, two franchised players worked out similar incentive deals with their teams.
Bears linebacker Lance Briggs signed his one-year tender in exchange for free agency the following year, but he had to play 75 percent of the team's snaps to hit free agency.
Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel had to play 60 percent of his team's snaps and New England had to win 12 games for him to hit free agency.
Haynesworth, who has worked out on his own all offseason, won't be eased back in when he reports to camp, Fisher said.
"I expect him to fall back into the rotation. He has been through it before. He says he is in great shape, he has been working out, so we'll work him,'' Fisher said. "I know the conditioning level of everybody else.''
Haynesworth's agent, Chad Speck, could not be reached for comment on Thursday, but there are indications the two sides are within striking distance of an agreement.
Still being debated is what Haynesworth — and the Titans — must do in order for him to earn unrestricted free agency next season. Haynesworth's playing time percentage, his statistical achievements and the number of games the Titans must win are among the things being discussed.
Such an agreement would allow Haynesworth to play himself into free agency next season or put himself in position to be franchised again if he fails to meet the stipulations.
Fisher, who called such a compromise "unlikely" in June, said he believes the issue will be resolved favorably for both sides.
"If it does in fact happen … it does not imply that we are going to cut him loose next year,'' Fisher said. "To me it would be the first step in achieving a long-term goal if we were to resolve that issue that way.''
Clock ticking
After failing to reach a long-term deal with Haynesworth by last week's deadline for franchise players, the Titans and Speck turned their attention to a reworked tender. Haynesworth is scheduled to play the 2008 season under a one-year contract for $7.25 million.
According to the NFL Players Association, Haynesworth played 53.5 percent of the Titans' defensive snaps last season.
But because he missed three games with an injury, the playing time percentage being discussed is likely much higher.
Others sought incentives
Last offseason, two franchised players worked out similar incentive deals with their teams.
Bears linebacker Lance Briggs signed his one-year tender in exchange for free agency the following year, but he had to play 75 percent of the team's snaps to hit free agency.
Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel had to play 60 percent of his team's snaps and New England had to win 12 games for him to hit free agency.
Haynesworth, who has worked out on his own all offseason, won't be eased back in when he reports to camp, Fisher said.
"I expect him to fall back into the rotation. He has been through it before. He says he is in great shape, he has been working out, so we'll work him,'' Fisher said. "I know the conditioning level of everybody else.''
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