SAINTS HAUL IN HOOMANAWANUI
The New Orleans Saints acquired tight end Michael Hoomanawanui from the New England Patriots for defensive lineman Akiem Hicks.
What does it give the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans gutted its receiving corps during the off-season and the team is still struggling offensively in the wake of that. Young tight end Josh Hill hasn't emerged as hoped, and veteran Benjamin Watson is a good blocker who doesn't do much as a pass-catcher anymore. Enter Hoomanawanui, who does a little of everything fairly well. That said, he's never been a featured go-to receiver in any offense (dating back to college) so this is probably just a depth move by 'Nawlins.
What does it give the New England Patriots
The Patriots have been uncommonly busy on the trade market this year, and it seems to be paying off for them. Here they strike again and add a starter-level talent in Hicks, a massive D-lineman who plays end but has the size to play inside. Those qualities make him a great fit for the always-adapting and versatile Pats defense. Look for Hicks to provide key rotational depth to an already-dominant D-line, and possible see some spot-starts.
Fantasy impact
Hoomanawanui's fantasy sleeper appeal gets a minor improvement here, but not by much. The Saints are mostly in disarray this season, and Hoomanawanui isn't exactly a proven playmaker who will immediately help turn things around. Keep him on the fantasy radar, but don't pick him up yet. That said, Watson and Hill can now safely be dropped in all formats. On the Pats side of things, this deal probably gives Scott Chandler a solid fantasy power-up (since he'll likely see added snaps in two-tight end sets now that Hoomanawanui is gone). Hicks is a solid defender but probably not a fantasy-worthy option in IDP leagues.
