Patriots sign TE Hoomanawanui over Kellen Winslow

ESPNBoston.com
The deal is contingent on Hoomanawanui passing a physical. The Patriots would then make a corresponding roster move, likely with tight end Visanthe Shiancoe heading to injured reserve, sources say. It's possible Shiancoe could be placed on the new short-term IR, making him eligible to return later in the season.

The Patriots had Kellen Winslow in for a workout yesterday, but apparently they were either not impressed or Belichick trusts Josh McDaniel's word on the former Ram, Michael Hoomanawanui.

As noted above, this likely means that Shiancoe could move to IR, either permanent or temporary. It's also an indicator that Belichick realizes he made a mistake last year by not building any depth at the tight end position. Obviously that was a calculated risk, but it ultimately didn't pay off as the Pats had no one to turn to when Gronk was injured for the Super bowl.

In two years in the league, Hoomanawanui has 20 career receptions for 229 yards and three touchdowns.