Florio on D&C: No Houshmandzadeh for Pats

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com joined the Dennis & Callahan show Tuesday morning to talk about the Patriots and news from around the NFL.

There are questions concerning the Patriots' two recent high-profile acquisitions, Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth, but Florio said he doesn't expect the team will cut either player.

"I don't see it happening under any circumstances with Ochocinco," said Florio, noting that the receiver would leave with $4.75 million and the option to sign with another team. "With Haynesworth, who knows? Everyone's saying all the right things. But his salary's only [$]1.5 million. They could cut him three games into the season, if they're willing to pay the balance of that salary, then so be it. But it seems like they're committed to making it work with Haynesworth. There's just that mystery now as to what's up with him because he hasn't been practicing or playing due to whatever injury. He's had knee trouble in the past, when he was with Washington. That's probably it. But I'd be shocked if either guy gets cut.

"There was a similar rumor four years ago, a week or two before the start of the season, regarding Randy Moss. And it could be that Bill Belichick floats this out there to provide a kick in the butt to these guys who may or may not be fully, 100 percent committed. Because if you hear something like that, maybe you increase your sense of urgency a little bit, you come play a little bit harder and you're ready to go."

The Patriots have been mentioned as possible suitors for three veterans who are available: receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and safeties Darren Sharper and Renaldo Hill. All three reportedly were worked out by the team, but Florio said it's unlikely any of them end up in Foxboro.

"Houshmandzadeh makes no sense," he said, adding, "There doesn't seem to be a seat for him. He wouldn't seem to fit whatsoever.

"I like what Darren Sharper could being to the table. I don't know how much time he actually is going to be able to win on the field. He's got a bad knee also. But he's shown he can play at a high level."

Added Florio: "I think that Bill Belichick is willing to turn over every rock out there, and he turned over three rocks yesterday and I think he didn't like what he found. … You never know what the motivation is. Maybe it's just to apply a foot to the rear end of the guys who are already there."

To hear the interview, including Florio's thoughts on Plaxico Burress, Tim Tebow, Matt Leinart and Chris Johnson, go to the Dennis & Callahan audio on demand page [1]. For more Patriots news, visit the team page at weei.com/patriots [2].