Veteran cornerback Shawn Springs, released by the Redskins in a salary-cap move yesterday, will visit the New England Patriots tomorrow.

The number three overall pick in 1997 out of Ohio State, Springs spent the last five seasons in Washington, and was cut in order for the Skins to save more than $6 million against the salary cap -- money that will go to DL Albert Haynesworth, whom the team signed to a $100 million contract hours after the start of free agency, and OL Derrick Dockery.

Springs played in nine games last season, with 36 tackles, one interception and seven passes defensed; there apparently was some talk of having the 6-foot, 207 pounder play some safety.

The Patriots hosted free agent CB Leigh Bodden on Friday, and while agent Alvin Keels told the Boston Globe that the visit went well, he left without a contract from the club.