ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Redskins have acquired defensive tackle Adam Carriker from the Rams, as both teams swapped fifth and seventh round picks in this week’s draft. Carriker was St. Louis’ first round selection in 2007 at No. 13.
Carriker missed all of last season after having to undergo shoulder surgery in September. But at 25, he still has plenty of potential and is a better fit (on paper at least) than Albert Haynesworth to play in the Redskins’ 3-4 defense. Carriker also played for new Washington defensive coordinator Jim Haslett in St. Louis.
Speaking of Haynesworth, the possibility that he’s dealt over the next couple of days just went up. He wants out of town and if the Redskins are willing to eat some of the guaranteed money that came along with the massive contract they gave him last offseason, there’s no doubt they’ll find a trade partner. Two teams at the top of the draft – Detroit and Tampa – might be suitors for Haynesworth.
This trade could also have an affect on which player the Rams select at No. 1. They have an obvious need at defensive tackle now and seeing as how Ndamukong Suh is the best prospect in the draft, St. Louis might surprise everyone and take him over quarterback Sam Bradford. It still seems unlikely that they will go that route, but the trade of Carriker complicates things.
Of course, this trade could also mean very little in the end. Carriker is a stubbed toe away from missing the entire 2010 season, so Washington might be inclined to hang onto Haynesworth regardless of the new addition. St. Louis also needs a quarterback above all else and if they have Bradford rated at the top of their board, he will be their pick.
Either way, things just got a lot more interesting with the NFL draft a little over 48 hours away now.
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