Redskins minicamp 2.0: Haynesworth out, McIntosh in

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The Redskins have started their second offseason minicamp and, predictably, disgruntled NT DT Albert Haynesworth is not in attendance. He's made it clear he does not want to play the nose tackle position and will be skipping all the team's non-mandatory minicamps. That means he won't show up at Redskins Park until June. There have been rumors of a possible trade, but near the end of the NFL Draft last month Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced Haynesworth will not be dealt.

Interestingly, LB Rocky McIntosh is attending the minicamp despite the fact that he has so far refused to sign his one-year tender offer. McIntosh is a restricted free agent and he would like a long-term contract or a trade to a team that will offer him a long-term contract. He's not required to be at this minicamp any more than Haynesworth is, but he's attending anyway.

McIntosh has pretty much no leverage right now, since he's a restricted free agent and the team does not need to trade him. McIntosh would move inside with London Fletcher in the new 3-4 defense and the Redskins want to see Rocky play that position before offering him a long-term deal. That seems utterly sensible to me and since Rocky has no leverage right now, the smart thing for him to do is sign the contract, play well and get a better offer next year from the Redskins or someone else. Perhaps Rocky's attendance at this minicamp indicates he's ready to face reality and will sign that tender offer soon.

By the way, Shanahan is living up to his reputation for secrecy. Minicamp practices today and tomorrow are closed to the press, with media allowed to watch only on Sunday, the last day of the minicamp.

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