The New Orleans Saints announced today that they have acquired New England Patriots tight end Michael Hoomanawanui (pronounced HO-oh-mah-nah-wah-noo-wee) in exchange for defensive end Akiem Hicks. The announcement was made by Saints’ Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis.
Hoomanawanui (6-4, 265), was a fifth round draft pick of the St. Louis Rams (132nd overall) in 2010 out of the University of Illinois. The six-year NFL veteran has appeared in 61 career games with 39 starts and had recorded 40 receptions for 518 yards (13.0 avg.) with four touchdowns. Signed by New England in 2012 after spending his first two seasons with the Rams, the Bloomington, Ill.