According to Adam Schefter, The New England Patriots have acquired defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth from the Washington Redskins in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2013.
It was just two years ago that Haynesworth, a top free agent in the 2009 class, signed a $100 million deal with the Redskins. While Haynesworth was expected to anchor the Washington defense for years, conflicts with the coaching staff emerged as his time with the team progressed centered around the Redskin's defensive schemes and Haynesworth's conditioning amongst other issues. This culminated in Haynewsworth's suspension late in the 2010 season.
In 20 games with Washington, Haynesworth recorded just 6.5 sacks. In his last year with the Titans, however, he put up 8.5 and forced three fumbles in the process. He received his second All-Pro selection that year, and was named The Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year.
With the cost being just a fifth round pick, it's hard not to love this deal for the Patriots. Bill Belichick is no stranger to dealing with potentially disgruntled players. If he can work with Haynesworth in the same way he worked with Randy Moss, then the Patriots will again find themselves with a top player at the position for an incredibly low price. If Haynesworth can't work in the 3-4 defense--even with Bill Belichick behind it--then they're not much worse off for having tried.