There’s been a bevy of discussion over the past few weeks surrounding Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, with Washington apparently looking to send Haynesworth packing just one year removed from signing him to one of the largest free agent contracts in NFL history.

Multiple rumors have put the Titans, Lions, and Raiders at the forefront of any such talks to acquire Haynesworth and while Tennessee and Oakland still have the ability and need to get a playmaking defensive tackle such as Haynesworth, the new leader for his services seems to be Detroit.

According Nicholas Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions are definitely interested in bringing Haynesworth into the fold, and feel confident he would fit in with the club given his experience working with head coach Jim Schwartz, during their tenure with the Titans.

The Lions could theoretically use the #2 overall pick to take offensive tackle Russell Okung and then send their third round pick (#66 overall) to Washington to get Haynesworth, who would immediately slot in as a starter next to Corey Williams, and provide the Lions with the penetrating defensive tackle they need to take their defense to the next level.

For their part, the Redskins have been adamant in their intent to keep Haynesworth on the team, and expect him to play a vital role next season in the middle of their revamped 3-4 defense. But there is little doubt that much of that is posturing on the part of head coach Mike Shanahan, who is trying his hardest to keep his cards close to the vest before the start of the draft tomorrow night, and if the right deal comes along, Washington will be all to happy to take it.

Haynesworth had refused thus far to participate in any off-season workouts with the Redskins, citing his displeasure at having to take on a completely different role as the nose tackle in a 3-4 style of play. If a trade is consummated, it’s likely to occur after round one is complete, with both sides looking to see how they can upgrade their team in the second and third rounds.

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