NFL: New England Patriots Roll the Dice, Trade for Albert Haynesworth

Yet again, the Patriots have taken a chance on a player who many teams would like to avoid at all costs.

New England traded a 2013 fifth-round draft pick to the Washington Redskins for former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Throughout his career, Haynesworth has been one of the most feared defensive lineman in the league, and a run-stopping anchor on the line.

But he has also, as of late, been a joke. After leaving Tennessee and the comfort of the 4-3 scheme, he went to Washington for big money, which he got. Once he arrived, however, the Redskins soon realized he was not worth the high price tag. It seemed that, once he got his money, he had stopped trying.

The best part about this trade is that Haynesworth's pricey contract does not come with him, because the Redskins have already payed him the majority of his money. The Patriots will need to pay him just $5 millions in base salary. A small price considering his salary just a year ago.

Haven't we seen this happen already in New England? Think Corey Dillon in 2004 and Randy Moss in 2007. Before they were acquired by the Patriots, they were nearly in the same position as Haynesworth. When each arrived in New England, they turned over a new leaf and began to play at a high level again.

Will Haynesworth have a similar transformation and play like the Pro Bowler he used to be? We can't say for sure, but I can't see why not.

He is coming to a winning organization with leaders and positive influences all around. He will be side by side with Vince Wilfork, be coached by Bill Belichick and be under ownership of Bob Kraft, the man who "saved football" no less this season. Most importantly, Haynesworth will understand that his contributions to the team have a direct impact on its Super Bowl chances, as well as his chances of rehabilitating his own image.

It seems that he should pull his act together and play better than last year at least; and maybe even return to his old self. But in any case, it is short money and a gamble that the Patriots are justified in making. And if he can perform even close to his Pro Bowl days, playing alongside Wilfork on the line, then that should be a scary thought to the rest of the league.