New England Patriots trade TE Michael Hoomanawanui to New Orleans Saints for

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

The NFL Network and Boston Globe earlier reported news of the deal.

Hoomanawanui played in 22 snaps combined in the first two games this season as the Patriots utilized three- and four-tight end sets at the goal line. He is in the final year of his contract and has a base salary of $800,000.

The Saints, on the other hand, only had two tight ends on their roster heading into this week – Josh Hill and Benjamin Watson.

Hicks, a third-round draft choice by New Orleans in 2012, has been a starter since 2013 and was at Saints practice Wednesday. He has been given opportunities at both defensive end and defensive tackle but remained ineffective. Fellow tight end Michael Williams appeared to have passed Hoomanwanui on the depth chart. Hoomanawauni was a fifth round pick of the St. Louis Rams a few years back.

The 27-year-old Hoomanawanui is in his sixth National Football League season and played the last three seasons with the Patriots. Chandler and Williams have had larger roles than Hoomanawanui on game day. Used more as a blocker and special teams player, Hoomanawanui had 20 catches for 289 yards and one touchdown in three-plus seasons with the Patriots.