The 4 p.m. Eastern deadline has come and gone without Albert Haynesworth signing a long-term contract with the Tennessee Titans.

As a result Haynesworth will have to play the 2008 season under a one-year contract. The team and Haynesworth’s representatives can continue discussions about a new contract but he is barred from signing one until the season is over. A statement from Titans GM Mike Reinfeldt indicates that’s what they plan to do. “We will remain in contact with his representatives throughout the season; and at year’s end, see if both sides can agree on a fair number on a long-term agreement for a player with his qualities.”

Haynesworth has not agreed to play for his $7.25 million franchise tender. He hasn’t made any public comments as yet but it’s believed that he wants a deal similar to the ones signed by Lance Briggs and Asante Samuel last season. Those deals included certain playing time benchmarks which, if reached, barred the team from slapping them with the franchise tag for a second straight season. The Titans, who would then face an open bidding war for Haynesworth, have been resistant to such clauses.