THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints have acquired tight end David Thomas from the New England Patriots in exchange for a seventh-round draft choice in 2011.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis announced the trade Saturday night.

New England selected the six-foot-three, 248-pound Thomas out of Texas in the third round of the 2006 draft.

He has started 13 games, including 10 last season. He was generally used as a blocker, but also has 21 catches for 261 yards and a touchdown in his three-year career.

The Saints began looking for another experienced tight end after veteran Billy Miller tore his right Achilles' tendon in New Orleans' pre-season finale against Miami on Thursday night.