The New England Patriots had a busy Thursday afternoon. First, the team traded for two-time All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. And later, worked a deal to bring in the Bengals’ all-time leader in receptions (751), yards receiving (10,783) and touchdown catches (66), Chad Ochocinco.
Haynensworth was traded from the Washington Redskins to the Pats for a fifth-round draft pick in 2013. That doesn’t sound as if the Patriots gave up a lot, seems they REALLY wanted him gone. Last summer was a battle of wills between Redskins coach Mike Shanahan and the DT. His contract which he signed in 2009 was a seven-year deal worth $100-million with $41 million guaranteed.
Did I mention this deal is contingent on “Fat Albert” (I did NOT give him that nickname but you know, it sort of fit) passing a physical? We’ll see how that works out.
Chad Ochocinco deal involved the marketing maven restructuring his deal in order to work the deal with New England. Ochocinco, who had one year and $6 million left on his Bengals contract. He’s reportedly agreed to a new three-year deal.
Coach Bill Belichick has been known to bring out the best in unique personnel situations. The Pats are on my short list of teams that are trying to earn the “Golden Stiletto” bringing in one of the most entertaining personalities in the NFL(although I’m sure we’ll see a slightly toned down version) who also happens to have some pretty impressive numbers is a good start. As for Haynesworth, I’m not a cheerleader for him but if he helps the Patriots, I’m all for it… At least for now. I’m a new fan, it’s ok for me to place conditions on my fan-dom.
Wait, didn’t Ochocinco say he was changing his name back to Johnson? See he was already thinking of a future outside of Cinci.
Curtsy to Fox Sports
