NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The agent for All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth doesn't think a long-term deal with the Tennessee Titans will be reached before the July 15 deadline.
"There has been no significant movement from the Titans on a long term deal since prior to the Combine in February and I don't think this will change before July 15th," Speck said in his e-mail.
Speck said recent talks have involved what he proposed in March: Haynesworth signs the tender if the Titans promise not to use the franchise tag on the tackle again in 2009. Speck said such deals were used on other franchised players like Shaun Alexander, defensive backs Nate Clements and Asante Samuel and linebacker Lance Briggs.
If no deal is reached by July 15, the team can only sign their franchise player to a one-year deal and could not sign a long-term contract then until after the conclusion of the regular season.
A team spokesman said Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt was not available to comment Tuesday. But the general manager has said he has been talking through the off-season with Speck.
The agent declined to comment further.
Without a contract, Haynesworth has been working out on his own and not taken part in any of the Titans' off-season program. Coach Jeff Fisher has said he trusts that Haynesworth is working to stay in shape.
The team's first-round pick in 2002, Haynesworth has struggled with injuries in each of his six seasons. He hasn't played in all 16 games since his rookie season and was limited to 13 in 2007 during his best season as a pro.
Haynesworth had a career-high six sacks in 2007 and added 69 tackles in earning his first All-Pro recognition. He also had 23 quarterback pressures, which matched what he had as a rookie and was so dominant he was considered as an MVP candidate before a hamstring injury in November.
Even without a contract, the tackle who played at the University of Tennessee did make appearances on behalf of the Titans' annual fan caravan back in April.