The New England Patriots are signing a tight end, but it's not Kellen Winslow. Agent Rick Smith confirmed an ESPNBoston.com report that tight end Michael Hoomanawanui will be joining New England on Wednesday. Hoomanawanui -- not to be confused with former Ram Brandon Manumaleuna -- knows offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system from their days together in St. Louis. Winslow reportedly was taking a physical with the Patriots, but it appears they weren't seriously interested in signing him yet. Hoomanawanui will essentially replace Visanthe Shiancoe, who is injured. Source: NFL.com
Pats were interested, but Winslow failed the physical and the Pats put Schiancoe on the return IR...they needed someone for that spot and he knows McDaniels offense.
This makes three guys from that blockbuster 2011 St. Louis offense in New England... Lloyd is the only one that makes sense. Hoomanawanui is Hawaiian for "warm body to block and confuse announcers for 8 weeks," apparently.
Hoomanawanui is a solid TE, was saddened when he was cut. Should be a good backup for you guys, even if his chances of hitting the starting line up is slim. The other guy you guys got from us (Greg Salas) stunk last season, like really stunk, but he was also a rookie and had flashes of potential and considering he cost a conditional 2015 draft pick...it's a win win really.
He's essentially keeping the line warm until Shiancoe is healthy after the London game. After that, maybe he'll have passed Shiancoe and Fells, who knows. I'm prepared to see more of Hernandez lined up as a WR/RB hybrid than on the line. Gronk is the pass-catching TE, Hernandez is a WR, Fells/Hoomanawanui are the blockers. I'm intrigued by Salas. 2015 late-round pick is, like [MENTION=1359]andy82[/MENTION] said, a win-win. If he sucks, NE gave up nothing. If he's good, then it's the Welker trade all over again. I just hope they got "good Salas," not "bad Salsa."
