The New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots have been polar opposites through the first three weeks of the NFL season.
The reigning Super Bowl champions have a perfect record so far, whilst Sean Payton and co. are 0-3 and playing without their elite quarterback.
Trade
The two have found common ground today though in the form of a trade that could prove mutually beneficial for both franchises.
SIGN UP NOW
Want to become a GMS writer? Sign up now and submit a 250 word test article: https://gms.to/haveyoursay4
As reported by NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Saints have acquired tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, with defensive end Akiem Hicks heading to Foxboro in a straight swap deal.
Mutually beneficial
The arrival of Hoomanawanui will help the Saints upgrade a tight end position that has caused them problems since they traded away Pro Bowl star Jimmy Graham in the offseason.
Moreover, with the 27-year-old's guaranteed money for the 2015 season a full $600,000 less than what Hicks would have been due, the trade also helps with the Saints' attempts to create salary cap space.
Hoomanawanui has 40 receptions, 518 yards and four touchdown catches in 59 starts in the NFL.
As for the Patriots, they have now added two defensive players to their roster this week, with the move for Hicks following the arrival of Jon Bostic from the Chicago Bears.
Hicks has struggled in recent seasons down in New Orleans, but the Patriots will be hoping their staff can coax him back to the form that saw him rack up 4.5 sacks in the 2013 season.
Saints/Patriots fans: Which team has got the better deal with this trade? Have your say in the comments below...
Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: https://www.givemesport.com/writeforgms
