The New England Patriots are in the process of acquiring defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth from the Washington Redskins.
According to both ESPN and the NFL Network, the Redskins will receive a fifth- round pick in the 2013 draft in return.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, in his usual manner, wouldn't provide much comment Thursday because it was not a finished deal.
"We're in the process of acquiring Haynesworth, but that's not complete yet," said Belichick. "I can't really comment on that at this point until it's completed, if it does get completed."
Haynesworth had a stormy relationship with Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan last year, starting with the two-time Pro Bowl selection's dislike of the coach's 3-4 defensive scheme. It ended with a suspension for the final four games of the season for conduct detrimental to the club.
The Patriots also play a base 3-4 defense, but mix it up with four-man fronts, and Belichick has had success with disgruntled stars in the past. He took chances on running back Corey Dillon and wide receiver Randy Moss, and both performed well with the Patriots.
"We'll talk about him when it's finished, if it's finished," Belichick flatly stated when pressed. "It's not there yet."
Haynesworth signed a seven-year deal worth a reported $100 million as a free agent with the Redskins in 2009 after starring for seven years with the Tennessee Titans. He played just 20 games in a Redskins uniform, including eight in a reserve role last year.
The 30-year-old University of Tennessee product has 30 1/2 career sacks and 324 tackles in his nine-year career. He had a career-high 8 1/2 sacks and 51 tackles from a defensive tackle spot in his final season of 2008 with the Titans.
According to both ESPN and the NFL Network, the Redskins will receive a fifth- round pick in the 2013 draft in return.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, in his usual manner, wouldn't provide much comment Thursday because it was not a finished deal.
"We're in the process of acquiring Haynesworth, but that's not complete yet," said Belichick. "I can't really comment on that at this point until it's completed, if it does get completed."
Haynesworth had a stormy relationship with Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan last year, starting with the two-time Pro Bowl selection's dislike of the coach's 3-4 defensive scheme. It ended with a suspension for the final four games of the season for conduct detrimental to the club.
The Patriots also play a base 3-4 defense, but mix it up with four-man fronts, and Belichick has had success with disgruntled stars in the past. He took chances on running back Corey Dillon and wide receiver Randy Moss, and both performed well with the Patriots.
Haynesworth signed a seven-year deal worth a reported $100 million as a free agent with the Redskins in 2009 after starring for seven years with the Tennessee Titans. He played just 20 games in a Redskins uniform, including eight in a reserve role last year.
The 30-year-old University of Tennessee product has 30 1/2 career sacks and 324 tackles in his nine-year career. He had a career-high 8 1/2 sacks and 51 tackles from a defensive tackle spot in his final season of 2008 with the Titans.
