NEW ORLEANS - A person familiar with the negotiations says tight end Michael Hoomanawanui has agreed to a three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.

The person spoke to The Associated Press via email Tuesday evening on condition of anonymity because the contract has not been signed.

The 27-year-old Hoomanawanui joined New Orleans in a trade early last season that sent defensive lineman Akiem Hicks to New England. The new contract for Hoomanawanui, who was due to become a free agent, was first reported by Fox Sports.

The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Hoomanawanui played in 12 games for the Saints last season, catching 11 passes for 76 yards and three touchdowns.

The former Illinois player joined the NFL with St. Louis in 2010, spending two seasons with the Rams before playing three-plus seasons for the Patriots, with whom he won a Super Bowl two seasons ago.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL