The defending Super Bowl champions New England Patriots will get a major boost in their defense after acquiring defensive lineman Akiem Hicks from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.
According to ESPN, the Saints giving up Hicks to the Pats was a bit surprising since he was seen to have a lot of potential and was a regular starter even starting in their first three games this season.
But so far in three games played this 2015, the 25-year-old defensive lineman only has two tackles and no sacks.
The Patriots are trying to strengthen their defense since before trading for Hicks, they also have acquired linebacker Jon Bostic via a trade deal from the Chicago Bears earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the Saints decided to part ways with Hicks and have Hoomanawanui instead because they are in need of another tight end.
Saints head coach Sean Payton already expressed their need for a tight end last Wednesday before the trade saying, according to ESPN, "We're still short at tight end, and that's an area that concerns me. Typically, we've always had three with one fullback. ... That's an area we've looked at and will continue to do so."
Now, the Saints have a six-year veteran in Hoomanawanui who played in the Pats' first two games but was scratched in their third game of the 2015 season.
ESPN reported that Hoomanawanui has played in 50 games for New England, which included 32 starts from 2012 to 2014 having 29 receptions for 381 yards during that span.
But the arrival of tight ends Scott Chandler and Michael Williams this 2015 gave the 27-year-old tight end a lesser role and was pushed down the depth chart.
Now, he will have another chance with the Saints and will be working with veteran tight ends Benjamin Watson and Josh Hill.
The Patriots are unbeaten at 3–0 this season, having their bye week this week (Week 4). Meanwhile the Saints are still winless and will take on the Dallas Cowboys next.
