The best free agent defensive tackle available this offseason is set to hit the open market after Albert Haynesworth and the Tennessee Titans were unable to negotiate a new contract over the past couple weeks.

After weeks of negotiations, after hours of discussions, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has decided not to re-sign with Tennessee until he first gets to test the free-agent market, a source said Wednesday.

Thus, other teams will have the opportunity to bid for Haynesworth, who will be one of the most coveted free agents on the open market.

Haynesworth still could return to Tennessee, but it will not be anytime before free agency begins Friday, Feb. 27.

A host of teams are expected to bid on Haynesworth, who is hoping to become the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. Haynesworth’s deal could turn out to average about $12 million per year with guaranteed money north of $30 million.

It might be Tennessee that lands him. But other teams will get their chance.

Haynesworth is easily the best defensive tackle prospect on the market and will command big bucks for any team willing to shell out for his services. He can be a dominating inside presence and is coming off two highly productive seasons. But questions remain about his character (ask Andre Gurode) and whether or not his production will drop after he receives his big contract.

Still, similar question marks surrounded Shaun Rogers, but he proved to be a vital addition to the Browns’ defensive line after they acquired him from Detroit last offseason. Some team will pay big to have a disruptive player like Haynesworth on their defensive line.