As they continue to make the transition to a 3-4 defense, the Washington Redskins have signed a nose tackle who has experience playing for new coordinator Jim Haslett.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Redskins have reached an agreement with nose tackle Howard Green on a one-year deal. Green was a starter on the Saints’ defensive line in 2004, when Haslett was their head coach.
The signing of Green, who played in 12 games for the Jets last year, could turn out to be a bigger story than meets the eye if it makes the Redskins feel like they have more leverage in dealing with (and possibly trading) defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
Green is obviously nowhere near the impact player that Haynesworth is, but Green will be much less expensive than Haynesworth and much more willing to buy into the role of nose tackle in Haslett’s 3-4 defense than Haynesworth.
The Redskins are continuing to say there have been no Haynesworth trade talks, but the presence of Green only makes it more likely that we’ll hear such talks in the future.