Patriots trade Richard Seymour to Oakland

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., Sept. 6 (UPI) -- The New England Patriots have dealt veteran defensive tackle Richard Seymour to Oakland for the Raiders' 2011 first-round pick.

Seymour, the sixth overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft out of Georgia, has been a five-time Pro Bowl selection in eight seasons, the fifth player in franchise history earning that honor.

The 6-foot-6 inch, 310-pounder was 10th on New England's career sacks list with 39, and played on its three NFL championship teams.

"From nearly the day he arrived in 2001, Richard Seymour established himself as one of our premier players for nearly a decade," said Coach Bill Belichick said on the Patriots' Web site Sunday. "His presence has been felt as a force on the field, a respected man off it and a multiyear champion."

Seymour was in the final year of his contract, and was due to be paid $3.685 million this season.