DT Haynesworth traded to Patriots has 1 comments

Jul 28th 2011, 16:25 | FFN-Score: 34 points

Before defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth could get to training camp and take his conditioning test, the Washington Redskins traded him to the New England Patriots for a fifth-round draft pick in 2013, according to league sources.

Haynesworth still must pass his physical, as any player in any trade would, for the trade with the Patriots to take effect.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Thursday morning that the trade was not yet completed.

"Talked to (Redskins coach) Mike Shanahan last night. We're in the process of acquiring Haynesworth, but that's not complete yet, so I can't really comment on that," he said.

"We'll talk about him when it's finished if it's finished," he added.

Washington believes it is ridding itself of a player it had no intention of bringing back to its team this season. Haynesworth clashed repeatedly with Redskins coach Mike Shanahan and frequently skipped workouts. Shanahan suspended him for the final four games of last season for conduct detrimental to the team.

The 30-year-old Haynesworth was at his best when playing in the 4-3 scheme as a Tennessee Titan and seemed to prefer that over the Redskins' 3-4 defense.

The Patriots, though, run plenty of multiple fronts, and Haynesworth lends needed help along their defensive line for a reduced price. The former Pro Bowl player's base salary for the coming season is $5 million. He is two years into a seven-year, $100 million contract that the Redskins signed him to in 2009. The contract at the time included a then-NFL record of $41 million in guaranteed money.

Speaking in generalities about adding a pass rusher, Belichick said: "You can never have too much pass rush. You can never have too much pass coverage."

The Patriots have had a propensity for reaching out to get talented but troubled players and succeeding, having previously done so with running back Corey Dillon and wide receiver Randy Moss.

Haynesworth was charged in two separate incidents this offseason. He settled out of court in a road-rage case and also was accused of fondling a waitress at a hotel bar in Washington. He has pleaded not guilty in that case and is scheduled to go on trial in August.

"Anytime you acquire a player, no matter how you do it, you want to be comfortable bringing that player on your team," Belichick said.

In a 24-hour span, the Redskins will have unloaded Haynesworth and quarterback Donovan McNabb, giving Washington an entirely different atmosphere as it prepares to open camp.

Washington on Wednesday traded McNabb to Minnesota for a sixth-round pick in 2012 and a conditional sixth in 2013 in a trade that is expected to become official later Thursday.

Also Thursday, the Redskins terminated the contract of center Casey Rabach, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton. Rabach, 33, was scheduled to make $3 million this season.