New England Patriots: 5 NFL careers even Bill Belichick couldn’t save

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New England Patriots Albert Haynesworth (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images) /

That time Albert Haynesworth wore a New England Patriots uniform

One player looking to save his career by signing with the New England Patriots was oft-troubled defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth.

When Bill Belichick decided to give the sleeping giant an opportunity back in 2011, there were thoughts that maybe, just maybe Haynesworth was entering a situation in which he could rediscover his dominance along the defensive line.

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After signing a free agent deal, it certainly sounded like the player was motivated to re-define his name in the NFL and he was very enthusiastic about being a part of a winning organization.

"“Everybody is here for you,” Haynesworth said, via ESPN. “I really enjoy that. I know my head coach is for me. I know my owner if for me. I know my players are for me. I feel relaxed, I’m having fun again.”"

Unfortunately, Haynesworth wasn’t able to put in the hard work necessary to fit into Belichick’s scheme on the defensive side of the football. Following an impressive debut against the Miami Dolphins, things went downhill for the monster defensive lineman.

After underperforming and looking overpowered in a game against the New York Giants, the Patriots cut Albert Haynesworth just a few games into the season. All the talk of changing and re-defining his name with the Patriots was basically all talk and fortunately for Belichick, it was just a $1.5 million risk and one that didn’t end up hurting the team as they were pretty deep at the interior defensive lineman position.

If all had worked out, the combination of Vince Wilfork and Haynesworth would’ve been a dynamic force on defense. But it turned out to be one of those situations where Belichick and the Patriots took a shot and whiffed.

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