NFL braces for free-agent signing period

NEW YORK, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The NFL's free-agent signing period starts at 12:01 a.m. EST Friday and Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth heads the list of available players.

Haynesworth, one of the NFL's premier run-stoppers, compiled 51 tackles, 8 1/2 sacks and three forced fumbles last season when the Titans recorded a 13-3 regular-season record and led the AFC in total team defense.

Undisclosed league sources told The Washington Post last week that the Redskins, through owner Daniel Snyder and Vinny Cerrato, the team's executive vice president of football operations, already have laid the groundwork to attempt to acquire the 6-foot-6, 320-pounder, a first-round pick by the Titans in the 2002 NFL draft out of the University of Tennessee.

Other notables on the list are linebackers Ray Lewis and Bart Scott of Baltimore and Derrick Brooks of Tampa Bay, Philadelphia offensive tackle Jon Runyan, Cincinnati wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Detroit placekicker Jason Hanson and New Orleans running back Deuce McAllister.