Reports: Patriots TE Michael Hoomanawanui traded to Saints

The New England Patriots have traded tight end Michael Hoomanawanui to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for defensive end Akiem Hicks.

The Patriots have traded tight end Michael Hoomanawanui to the Saints in exchange for defensive end Akiem Hicks, according tomultiplereports. 

Hoomanawanui was New England’s second tight end last season behind Rob Gronkowski but has played the fourth-most snaps at the position this season. Hoomanawanui played on just 10.1% of the Patriots’ offensive snaps in the first three games, fewer than Gronkowski, Scott Chandler and Michael Williams. 

The Saints’ other tight ends are Benjamin Watson and Josh Hill. 

Hicks started 30 games during the last two seasons but saw his role decreased this season, particularly in last week’s game against the Panthers, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. 

- Dan Gartland