Rams send former No. 1 pick Carriker to 'Skins in draft swap

ST. LOUIS -- The Washington Redskins have acquired former first-round pick Adam Carriker from the St. Louis Rams in a low-cost deal that provides an option along the defensive line if Albert Haynesworth is traded.

The Redskins got a great price Tuesday for the 13th overall pick in 2007. They swapped fifth-round picks with the Rams, moving down 28 spots in that round, but in a swap of seventh-rounders Washington actually moved up three spots.

"Adam is a guy who our staff is very familiar with," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. "He is talented and has an incredible work ethic. We feel he will fit in our scheme and will help us reach our defensive goals."

Carriker's career has been dogged by injuries. He spent last season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Carriker could be the contingency plan if the Redskins are able to trade Haynesworth, who has displeased Shanahan by staying away from offseason workouts and a minicamp.

Rams general manager Billy Devaney said the team had enough depth at the position to make the deal, and said the draft class was loaded with "whopper" defensive tackles who could be had as late as the fourth round.

The Rams are expected to re-sign backup Gary Gibson to augment a group headed by Clifton Ryan, Fred Robbins and Darell Scott.

Carriker will be reunited with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, a former Rams head coach. Devaney said the Redskins have been trying to trade for Carriker for a while.

"The signings we've made the past couple of weeks we thought, you know what, this might be the right time to do it," Devaney said. "Right now it seems like we've got a little bit of depth. I hope we do."

Carriker was a 300-pound defensive end at Nebraska, where he was Big 12 defensive player of the year as a senior. He played tackle in a 4-3 alignment with St. Louis.

"He's never complained and we used him in multiple positions," Devaney said. "He did the best he could, but it hasn't been a great scheme for him."