Breaking News: Washington Redskins trade Albert Haynesworth to the New Engand Patriots

It’s 3:18 in the morning and just as I was about to go to sleep, I saw a news flash from ESPN insider Adam Schefter. He tweeted “Filed to ESPN: Washington traded DT Albert Haynesworth to the New England Patriots for a fifth-round pick in 2013.” Looks like sleep is on hold for a little while longer.

This is a pretty significant move for both sides. The relationship between the Washington Redskins and Albert Haynesworth has been bad for awhile. Haynesworth has had significant different views then head coach Mike Shannahan and it culminated on December 7th when he was suspended for the rest of the 2010 season. This occurred after Haynesworth reportedly missed a practice he claimed was due to illness.

There was speculation that the Redskins would trade Haynesworth or perhaps even cut him this off season, but the Redskins made it known that they would not get rid of Albert for nothing. They wanted value for him and they got in the form of a 5th round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. As for the Patriots, this is a low risk high reward trade. A 5th round pick is not a lot to pay for a player who was at one point the most dominant defensive tackle in football. On top of that, the Patriots always acquire several draft picks throughout the year so it would not be surprising if they get another 5th round pick before the 2013 draft.

The interesting thing is that Haynesworth now heads to the Patriots who run a 3-4 defense. Part of the problem with Haynesworth in Washington was that he was not a good fit in the 3-4. He had thrived in Tennessee’s 4-3 before signing a lucrative contract in the 2009 offseason. However, he will now be forced to play for the Patriots. Will he play nose or possibly 3-4 end, a position the Patriots didn’t fill in the draft? It’s a good trade for both sides and one that could really pay off for the Patriots if Haynesworth can get his act together.