Patriots Trade TE Hoomanawanui to Saints for Akiem Hicks
In a move that should not be a surprise to anyone, the New England Patriots sent tight end Michael Hoomanawanui to the New Orleans Saints in a trade on Tuesday. The move was first reported by Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. It has not yet been released what the Patriots received in the deal, but do not expect anything more than an extremely late round draft pick (see update below).
Source: #Patriots trade TE Michael Hoomanawanui to the #Saints
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) September 30, 2015
Primarily known for his blocking (and of course incredibly difficult to spell and pronounce last name), Hoomanawanui was an important part of the Patriots’ offense last season. That being said, he has fallen off the Patriots’ radar early in this season, being passed up as the primary blocking tight end by Michael Williams.
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In Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler and Williams, the Patriots have the tight end position locked down. Hoomanawanui was always going to struggle to find a role, and that was magnified when the Patriots make him a healthy in-active decision in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Hoomanawanui will now have much more of an opportunity to produce with the Saints, who are struggling at the tight end position after trading Jimmy Graham this off season. Former-Patriot Ben Watson is the team’s starter, with Josh Hill being his back-up. Both players have left plenty to be desired on the field this season.
With the Saints looking to run the ball with Mark Ingram now, more than ever before, landing a tight end who has great blocking skills makes a lot of sense. With little standing in his way, and the Saints’ offensive style playing to his strengths, Hoomanawaui should see some extended playing time in New Orleans.
Regardless what the Patriots pick up in this deal, this is a win for both sides. The Patriots received some value for a player that had no use for, while the Saints may have landed a possible starter.
UPDATE: The Patriots are getting DE Akiem Hicks in this deal according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, more on that side in a bit. At first glance, looks like a nice deal for the Patriots.
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