The Patriots and Dolphins have played a game of trying to top each other throughout the offseason. The Patriots signed sackmaster linebacker Rosevelt Colvin. The Dolphins traded for Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau.

Tuesday's trade for Bears defensive tackle Ted Washington might be the deal that could put the Patriots over the top. For a fourth-round choice next season, the Patriots acquired the missing piece to their 3-4 defense, an immovable 375-pound defensive tackle who will draw double-team blocking.

For the Bears, it was a move to free up playing time for younger defensive tackles such Ernest Grant and Alfonso Boone. For the Patriots, this trade made them a potentially dominating 3-4.

From the ends, the Patriots can attack with powerful young defensive linemen Richard Seymour and Ty Warren, two former tackles who have decent quickness. Washington moves ahead of Rick Lyle and promising young nose tackle Jarvis Green as the run-stopper and space eater.

Washington needed a little salesmanship, though, to accept the trade. A 12-year veteran that's moved around, Washington initially was reluctant to accept the trade. The Patriots had to call him and tell him their plans, and once that happened, he accepted the proposal and will report.

This will be Washington's fifth team, and he's helped three different franchises make the playoffs -- San Francisco, Buffalo and Chicago. Washington has been to the playoffs in seven of his 12 years.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.