Former All-Pro Albert Haynesworth Is First Cut of Buccaneers Coach Schiano

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth became the first player released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since Greg Schiano was hired as coach last month.

Haynesworth, 30, had been taken by the Buccaneers off waivers from the New England Patriots in November. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder started six of seven games for Tampa Bay, making 25 tackles, including two for a loss.

Haynesworth signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with the Washington Redskins in 2009 after being named a first-team All-Pro selection during the 2007 and 2008 National Football League seasons.

Schiano, who coached Rutgers University for 11 years, was hired by the Buccaneers on Jan. 26 to replace Raheem Morris, who was fired after a 4-12 season. The Buccaneers’ defense allowed the most points in the NFL last season.

To contact the reporter on this story: Erik Matuszewski in New York at matuszewski@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Michael Sillup at msillup@bloomberg.net