The Patriots strike again. Hours after acquiring DT Albert Haynesworth from the Redskins for a fifth-round pick, the Patriots traded for Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco.

ESPN's John Clayton reported that Ochocinco accepted a restructured three-year contract from the Patriots. He was slated to make $6.35 million in 2011, per ESPN. Adam Schefter reported the Bengals will receive a fifth-round pick in 2012 and a sixth-rounder in '13 to complete the deal.

PFW correspondent and Boston Herald writer Ian Rapoport reported that the Patriots, Raiders and 49ers had permission to discuss a trade for Ochocinco.

A 10-year veteran, Ochocinco had 67 catches for 831 yards and four touchdowns in 2010. It was his least productive season since his rookie year, aside from 2008, when he missed three games.

The way we see it

Ochocinco has never been bashful about his admiration of Bill Belichick and wanting to be a Patriot. Since the season ended, rumors have swirled about the two coming together, as well as the Pats' need for a stretch-the-field receiver like they had in Randy Moss. Like the Haynesworth deal, the Patriots aren't giving up a whole lot and get the big-play receiver the offense was missing.

Belichick is not a fan of distractions, so it will be interesting to see how Ochocinco's antics are handled in New England, but there's no question that he wants to play with Belichick and Brady.