Patriots release Haynesworth

Boston, MA – Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth's stay with the New England Patriots has come to an end.

The Patriots acquired Haynesworth from the Washington Redskins shortly after the lockout ended. Washington netted a 2013 fifth-round draft pick out of the deal.

In his 10th pro campaign, Haynesworth did little for the Patriots this season, totaling just three tackles in six games.

The move comes two days after Haynesworth had an animated conversation with defensive line coach Pepper Johnson during a game against the New York Giants. Haynesworth was blocked on a Brandon Jacobs 10-yard TD run in the third quarter of Sunday's loss.

Haynesworth remained on the sideline for the remainder of the game.

Haynesworth made headlines in 2009 when he signed a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Redskins after starring for seven years with the Tennessee Titans.

But the 30-year-old played just 20 games over two seasons in a Redskins uniform.

A stormy relationship with Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan did not help the cause. The two-time Pro Bowl selection's dislike of the coach's 3-4 defensive scheme caused problems between the two. It ultimately ended with Haynesworth being suspended for the final four games of the season for conduct detrimental to the club.

The 30-year-old University of Tennessee product has 30 1/2 career sacks and 327 tackles over 116 career games. He posted a career-high 8 1/2 sacks and 51 tackles from a defensive tackle spot in his final season of 2008 with the Titans.

The Patriots also released tight end Dan Gronkowski from the active roster and offensive lineman Thomas Welch from the practice squad on Tuesday.

This is the second time Gronkowski has been released this season. He was previously released on September 30 after appearing in the Patriots' first two games and re-signed with the team on October 11.