Update: Ochocinco & Haynesworth On The Chopping Block?

Tom E. Curran of CSN New England points out that some of the logic used to backup the idea of the Patriots possibly cutting one of  Chad Ochocinco or Albert Haynesworth is a bit faulty. Curran adds that Patriots locker room isn’t in need of an example such as the mentioned below. Cutting Ochocinco would be a waste of two draft picks and the signnig bonus that was included in his renegotiated deal.

Haynesworth also cost the Patriots a draft pick and his salary is low enough to justify taking a chance on him. Cutting him lose would only happen if he forced their hand in the issue either by his actions or lack of productivity.

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Dan Pompei of the National Football Post writes that there’s a chance that one or both of the New England Patriots high profile acquistions could end up being cut before the start of the season.

“Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth might not be long for New England,” Pompei reports. “One day before this story came out by my guy Mike Reiss, one NFL executive familiar with the Patriots ways told me he believes one or both of the big name acquisitions will be cut before the season starts. The front office man thinks coach Bill Belichick will use the controversial players to help control and send a message to his locker room.”

It’s always smart for teams to find ways to limit the amount of risk that they are taking with veteran players that come with questions marks but this specifically ensures that each player earns their roster spot. Of the two players, Haynesworth seems like the most likely to cut considering that his deal includes no guaranteed money but he also has the higher upside.

It’s worth noting that this remains is a speculative rumor and is by no means a certainty but it’s interesting none the less.