Just like the New England Patriots to sneak in and pull off a game-changing deal. Adam Schefter reported early Thursday morning that the Patriots acquired defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth from the Redskins for a fifth-round pick.
Haynesworth signed a seven-year $100 million deal with the Redskins in ’09 but it was a poor fit from the start. He was limited to 12 games his first season in Washington and then he missed the team’s off-season activities as they transitioned under a new coaching staff. Haynesworth was upset they were switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense and didn’t want to play for the team. When he finally showed up to camp, he was out of shape and failed his conditioning test.
Haynesworth was deactivated late last season and eventually suspended without pay. His saga in Washington has finally ended with a trade to New England.
The acquisition by the Patriots is eerily similar to the one they made in 2007 with Randy Moss. Moss was a malcontent in Oakland and many people thought he was done. The Pats gave up just a fourth-round pick and ended up getting All-Pro production.
Haynesworth has similar character issues to Moss and similar talent. If there’s any place that can whip him into shape, it’s New England. The only issue is convincing Albert to fit into the Patriots’ scheme, which is also a 3-4. As long as he’s willing to bring his A-game, this is the pass-rushing weapon the Pats have been lacking since trading Richard Seymour to Oakland.
