The Patriots made a flurry of roster moves on Wednesday just after the final bye week practice, releasing one player from the active roster LB Dekoda Watson, and three more from the practice squad WR Kenbrell Thompkins, DL Joe Vellano and OL Chris Barker.
But the big news of the day was the trade the team made with the New Orleans Saints, trading TE Michael Hoomanawanui and receiving DL Akiem Hicks in return.
Hoomanawanui had fallen down the depth chart with the arrival of free agent Scott Chandler and the trade that brought TE/T Michael Williams from the Lions.