Albert Haynesworth make an impact

While mayhem was expected when the N.F.L. ended its lockout Monday and launched an instant off-season, everyone predicted the frenetic pace of player movement would resemble a swap meet for billionaires. But it would not be proper mayhem unless something really head-slapping happened. Like, say, the Patriots trading for Albert Haynesworth.

The Patriots have seen DL Albert Haynesworth make an impact. Bill Belichick will try to get that kind of production out of him in New England.

CAPTION

By Sean Dougherty, USA TODAY

The Redskins solved their second major locker room conundrum in two days by dealing Haynesworth to the Patriots for a 2013 fifth-round pick Thursday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the development.

Haynesworth set a then-record in 2009 by getting $41 million guaranteed from the Redskins while signing a seven-year, $100 million pact.

After signing the megadeal, Haynesworth said: "You're not going to remember Albert Haynesworth as a bust."

But the former all-pro never produced in Washington and repeatedly clashed with coach Mike Shanahan in 2010 over conditioning and his unhappiness with Washington's newly installed 3-4 defense, which Haynesworth felt minimized his talents. He was ultimately suspended for the final four games.

Redskins DC Jim Haslett told a St. Louis radio station in June, "(Haynesworth) doesn't want to do anything. To me, that's the issue. He's one of those guys you walk in a meeting and you tell him, 'Put down the phone.' The next day you have to tell him to put down the phone. The next day, you tell him to put down the phone."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick also runs a 3-4 in New England -- though NT Vince Wilfork capably handles the middle -- so Haynesworth will likely spend most of his time at end. New England does run enough variations of the alignment to potentially keep him mollified ... not that Belichick is in the business of pandering to his players. However the three-time Super Bowl-winning coach has had success with former NFL malcontents in RB Corey Dillon and WR Randy Moss.

The Haynesworth deal comes a day after the Redskins agreed to trade QB Donovan McNabb to the Vikings.