In a move that seems more Rex-like than Belichickian, ESPN is reporting that the Patriots have sent a 2013 fifth-round draft pick to the Washington Redskins for malcontent defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
Haynesworth played for Washington the last two seasons but was a distraction on and off of the field for the bulk of his time there. He signed a 7-year, 100-million dollar contract with the Skins two years ago and since then has had conditioning issues as well as very public media battles with former head coach Mike Shanahan. A lot of his frustration stemmed from the fact that they played in a 3-4 scheme, which he didn't fully buy into. Uh oh.
Guess what team also plays the 3-4? That's right, your New England Patriots. Anchored by Big Vince Wilfork in the middle, the Patriots 3-4 is effective because it draws double teams towards Number 75, giving other linemen or linebackers the opportunity to create mismatches in the trenches.
Patriots insiders (give me a couple more seasons) have said that Belichick intends on using the 6'6", 330 pound Haynesworth as a "nickel rusher" meaning that he wouldn't start but would instead provide a pass rush from the interior, as well as be a run stopper alongside Wilfork.
Will he be happy here though?
I don't think he has a choice, for several reasons. First, the Patriots gave up next to nothing to acquire Haynesworth from the Redskins. At the first sign of insubordination, Belichick wouldn't hesitate to put him back on the street. Also, this could be Haynesworth's last chance to make good money in the NFL and if he got cut, it would be hard to imagine any other team bringing him in, even in a low risk situation.
If there is anyone who can straighten Haynesworth's head out, it is Belichick and defensive line coach Pepper Johnson, two of the most respected coaches in the game. I have a feeling that Belichick commands much more respect than Shanahan and Haynesworth knows that he has to shape up.
He is certainly not without baggage; he has made his grievances very public, given up on plays and is facing trial for sexual assault. Depending on the results of that trial, Albert will come in and instantly contribute.
The Patriots have succeeded with Corey Dillon and Randy Moss for a few seasons each, so there is reason to believe that they can do the same with Haynesworth and assemble what could be one of the most dominant defensive lines in the NFL in the process.
Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald just reported that the Patriots have released Marcus Stroud, apparently his shoulder hasn't recovered enough yet from off-season surgery. So even though Haynesworth's deal isn't set in stone yet, now it makes even more sense on the depth chart.
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