The Saints have traded Hicks to the Patriots in exchange for Michael Hoomanawanui, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Hicks, who was a third-round pick in 2012, will bolster the Patriots' defensive line depth, but with just two tackles in two games this season, he's off the fantasy radar.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune expects a "monster" season out of Saints third-year DE Akiem Hicks.

The Saints are expecting the same thing out of Hicks. He started all 16 games at left end opposite RE Cameron Jordan last season and notched 56 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Hicks is strong both against the run and as a pass rusher. He stands in at a towering 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds with vine-like 35 1/8-inch arms.

The Saints see DE Akiem Hicks as a prime breakout candidate.

Hicks started all 16 games at left end last year, posting 56 tackles and 4.5 sacks while holding up strong against the run. Now gaining more polish as he enters his third NFL season, the Saints are expecting even more. Rob Ryan's defense is dripping with talent.

Second-year Saints DL Akiem Hicks is expected to take Kenyon Coleman's (pectoral) place at left end.

Hicks had been rotating between end and nose tackle, but will likely now stick exclusively at end. According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Hicks has been "flourishing" in camp. Hicks played 383 snaps as a rookie, grading out positively in Pro Football Focus' ratings. Third-round rookie John Jenkins is expected to back up Brodrick Bunkley at the nose.

Second-year DL Akiem Hicks opened training camp as the Saints' starting left defensive end.

Hicks is expected to see playing time at both end and nose tackle in the Saints' 3-4 scheme. He'll be part of a defensive line rotation with Cameron Jordan, Tom Johnson and third-round pick John Jenkins.

Second-year DL Akiem Hicks is concentrating on defensive end in the Saints' new 3-4 defense.

Following the hiring of DC Rob Ryan, many penciled Hicks in as the starting nose tackle in New Orleans. After the team drafted behemoth NT John Jenkins in the third round of last month's draft, Hicks is now expected to be the top reserve at all three defensive line spots in a Ricky Jean-Francois-esque role.

Second-year DL Akiem Hicks is expected to see time at both nose tackle and defensive end in the Saints' new 3-4 defense.

Saints declared DT Akiem Hicks (knee) inactive for Sunday's finale against the Panthers.

No surprises for the Saints. Pierre Thomas (knee) landed on injured reserve Saturday, giving Chris Ivory, Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles a boost. The rest of their inactives: CB Jabari Greer, LB Scott Shanle, WR Saalim Hakim, G Ricky Henry, DT Tyrunn Walker and TE Michael Higgins.

Saints third-round DT Akiem Hicks (hand) has been cleared to practice.

Hicks began camp on the active/PUP list, but was removed on Tuesday. He was recovering from a twice broken right hand. The move means he won't be eligible to begin the year on reserve/PUP, and should see a full complement of preseason snaps. A massive but raw 6-foot-5, 318-pound talent, Hicks is expected to be eased in slowly.

Saints rookie DT Akiem Hicks said his fractured hand needs 2-3 weeks to heal.

Hicks has broken his right hand twice this offseason, but the Saints have shown no real concern. The third-round pick is fully expected to be ready for training camp.