Tim Hightower is leaving the team that drafted him, but in return for this: a chance to compete for a starting job and to play in front of family and friends. So, yes, he welcomed a trade that will send him from Arizona to Washington.
“I’m coming back home,” he said. “I’m excited about it.”
The Redskins acquired Hightower in exchange for defensive end Vonnie Holliday and an undisclosed draft pick, based on Hightower’s playing time this season. Hightower was born in Alexandria and attended Episcopal High School. Washington also re-signed right tackle Jammal Brown to a five-year deal, according to ESPN.
Brown’s contract is worth $27.5 million with slightly more than $8 million guaranteed.
Brown started slow last season, recovering from hip surgery in 2009 and switching positions. But the coaches liked how he played down the stretch.
His return is the last piece of the starting line to be put in place. The other four starters, as of now, are: left tackle Trent Williams, left guard Kory Lichtensteiger, right guard Chris Chester and Brown.
Holliday is still deciding whether or not he wants to report to Arizona. He had discussed retirement at the end of last season, but appeared anxious to play in 2011. If he retires, the trade can still go through. In an email, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said, “It depends on whether there is anything in the trade terms between the teams that addresses it. Otherwise, teams trade at their own risk.”
In three seasons with Arizona, the 6-foot, 222-pound Hightower rushed for 1,733 yards and 23 touchdowns in 36 starts. He also caught 118 passes for 801 yards. Last season was his best. Hightower, a fifth-round pick in 2008, started 13 games and rushed for 736 yards, averaging 4.8 per carry.
He provides the Redskins needed depth at running back. Ryan Torain is the most experienced back; the Redskins also drafted two players: Roy Helu (fourth round) and Evan Royster (sixth round).
Hightower said he’s coming here to win a starting job.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He’s aware of coach Mike Shanahan’s success with running backs through the years. But, unlike other backs who have come here, he said his focus is not on Shanahan’s system.
“I don’t get caught up in the system,” he said. “I’m excited about it; I know what Mike Shanahan’s backs have done and he’s done a tremendous job coaching them. But it’s a personal responsibility. I don’t think anything is ever guaranteed just because you’re going somewhere. This gives me a great opportunity, but I’m taking the responsibility. I’ve had a great offseason and I feel I’m in the best shape of my life. This is just an opportunity to display the hard work and dedication I’ve put into it.”
He’s looking forward to having more of a veteran’s role in Washington. That’s why, when asked what he brings, he didn’t discuss running, blocking or catching.
“Leadership, the passion that I bring,” he said. “That has been frustrating to me, not being able to show that, the burning desire I have to win and to be the best. That’s the tone I want to set from day one. I want to be the best and to be part of the best. … I want to lead by example and have guys rally around me.
“I appreciated my time in Arizona, the Super Bowl run and the chance to play with Larry Fitzgerald, Kurt Warner, Edgerrin James …. Me learning from vets like that it was good for me to observe. But at this point in my career it’s time for me to take hold and pass on the lessons that I’ve learned to other guys.”
