I’m currently on my deck enjoying the last day of my short vacation in the Smokey Mountains.  I had hoped to top off my trip with the announcement that the Titans had signed their key defensive player to a long term deal.  Well it appears I can’t have everything.  Albert will still make 7.5 million dollars this year on his one year deal as a franchise player so we don’t have to pass around the collection plate. 

There are pluses and minuses to this situation.  Albert can work hard and have another great year and perhaps even play a full season for the first time and really cash in next year.  However, there have always been questions regarding just how hard he does work and his commitment to conditioning in the past.  He didn’t participate in the mini camps but insists he is in great shape.  Will his lack of a big deal affect his performance in 2008?  There is also the possibility he will try and hold out from camp participation as he attempts to force the Titan’s hand by securing a deal that the Titans won’t use the franchise tag on him next year. 

I can see both sides points of view in this situation.  Do the Titans want to pay a huge signing bonus to a player that has never played a full season.  Do they worry that once he has 20 million in the bank that he won’t push himself to be in the best shape and will be more prone to injury and that his performance will not stay at the same level.

On Hayneworth’s side of the equation, I don’t blame him at all for trying to cash in since there are no guarantees that he won’t suffer a career ending injury.  The NFL is a brutal physical test and the average career length is 3 years.  Of course 7.5 million isn’t chump change either.  Albert has done great things in the community and despite his on field problems of a couple years ago is a real good guy.

I hope that a deal can be reached to bring him into the fold for years to come.  However, it won’t be until after the current season.  If Albert has a great season his price will go up.  I think a second high impact year will ease the Titans concerns and the large pot of gold will be there for Haynesworth.

Camp is almost here.  The season is upon us.  Lets get going!

 

 

 

 

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