Came over here to get your take on Hooman. From what I have read in this thread, it sounds like a good deal for both teams. We desperately need a TE. Payton has been using a lot of 3-TE formations this year, and using a backup RT as a 3rd TE really doesn't lead a defense to worry about the 3rd TE much. Glad to read he is a solid special-teamer as well.
Rob Ryan came to the Saints in 2013. He wanted to run a 3-4, but inherited Spagnuola's NFL record worst 4-3 defense. Ryan had to play a lot of 4-3 in 2013 with Hicks in the DT rotation. He did quite well. Ryan is running more 3-4 this year, and Hicks has been getting less and less playing time as a 3-4 DE. His ideal spot is a 4-3 DT.
Maybe both coaches saw something they liked during the joint practices at the Greebrier.
By the way, nice smackdown on our dear old buddy Roger.