NFL Free Agency: 30 worst free agency signings this century

1. Worst NFL free agency signings this century: Albert Haynesworth

Widely considered one of the worst free agent signings of all-time, rather than just the past 20 years, the Washington Football Team broke the bank for Albert Haynesworth in 2009.

Haynesworth was given a massive seven-year, $100 million contract, which was the biggest contract ever given to a defensive player at that time. It was also a terrible decision, as Haynesworth not only didn’t fit the Washington Football Team 3-4 defensive scheme, but he was also a suspension waiting to happen.

Early in his career, Haynesworth showed how his anger problems affected his judgment, as he kicked his former teammate Justin Hartwig in his second training camp. The two men had to be separated by other teammates.

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This wasn’t the most high-profile incident featuring the big defensive tackle either. He was also suspended five games for stomping former Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode in the face when his helmet fell off. Some have contended was actually ripped off by the hot-tempered Haynesworth.

Gurode had to receive 30 stitches and struggled with headaches and blurry vision after the attack. There was even some consideration to criminal charges, although Gurode elected not to go that route.

Once with the Washington Football Team, Haynesworth continued to be a problem. He publicly feuded with coaches. He also failed a fitness test with the team which came after he refused to take part in offseason workouts.

Once with the team, he complained about playing nose tackle in the three-man line. Keep in mind this is exactly what Haynesworth signed up for in inking his contract with Washington: to play in a three-man front.

By 2011, he was traded away, as the Washington Football Team dumped him off to the New England Patriots for a mere fifth-round pick. He lasted just six games with them before being waived.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who reportedly offered more than the Washington Football Team did in 2009, claimed him. He was with them through the end of the 2011 season. That wound up being the last we saw of Haynesworth, who hasn’t been in the NFL since.