Yes, I know that this may sound crazy, but the Pittsburgh Steelers should consider adding defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to their roster for the 2012 NFL season.
Now we all know that Haynesworth is known for his checkered past throughout his NFL career. There is the incident when he stomped on the head of Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode in 2006 while he was a member of the Tennessee Titans. Then there was the conditioning test that Haynesworth continuously failed during the offseason in 2010 as a Washington Redskin. Then was later was suspended by the team late in the season for conduct detrimental to the team. Finally, there was Haynesworth’s release from the New England Patriots this past season after a confrontation with one of the Patriots’ coaches, which resulted in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claiming him off waivers on November 10, 2011.
The ten-year veteran in now a free agent after being released by the Buccaneers just two days ago.
Looking at the big picture, both Haynesworth and the Steelers could benefit from this. Haynesworth is in no position to ask for a big contract, since hardly any team is willing to take a chance on him. As for Pittsburgh, they could use his size (6’6”, 350 lbs.) on the defensive line, and get that for a cheap price—considering the fact that they’re $25-30 million over the salary cap.
This addition could also add much needed depth to the interior of the defensive line. Nose tackle Casey Hampton will be coming off of an offseason recovering from a knee injury sustained in the wildcard loss to the Denver Broncos, and the rotation of Haynesworth will only help Hampton stay fresh throughout the upcoming season. Also, Pittsburgh’s backup nose tackle, Steve McLendon, is undersized at 280 pounds.
I’m not saying that this should be a long-term move for the Steelers, because both Haynesworth and Hampton are not getting any younger. However, it will help groom the nose tackle that Pittsburgh will more than likely get in the 2012 NFL Draft. This might be a long shot, but it just might work.
Follow me on Twitter @ClydeASpeller
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