National Football League

Redskins taking more big-name, big-money risks

Published Feb. 27, 2009 8:18 p.m. ET

Alex Marvez

Struggling companies that come to Washington D.C. seeking a financial bailout shouldn't appeal to the White House.

Glazer's take

Video: After Friday's spending spree, Jay Glazer says the Redskins have wreaked havoc on the NFL's financial system.

Head to nearby Redskins Park instead and beg Daniel Snyder for a loan.

If the nation's tough economic times are hitting his franchise, the Redskins owner isn't showing it. Six hours after the free-agent signing period began early Friday morning, Snyder's squad already had signed defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and cornerback DeAngelo Hall to staggeringly high contracts.

Haynesworth received the best deal of any player in NFL history — a seven-year, $100 million contract that includes a league-record $41 million in guaranteed money. A source said the former Tennessee Titans standout could earn another $15 million through incentives.

Hall reportedly scored a six-year, $54 million deal that includes $23 million in guarantees. The contract was so large that it's believed to have had a chilling effect on other teams at the start of free agency because the market value for cornerbacks had changed. Suddenly, the $13 million signing bonus and $6.5 million per-season average I heard Atlanta's Dominique Foxworth was going to get offered by Baltimore had become relative chump change. Foxworth ultimately signed for a $6.8 million average and $16.5 million guaranteed.