New England Patriots are making this offseason all about getting depth for their tight ends core. After previously adding Benjamin Watson and Matt LaCosse in free agency, Pats now acquired TE Michael Roberts in a trade with Detroit Lions.
According to NFL Network, New England will send Lions a conditional 2020 seventh-round pick for Roberts.
Lions took Michael Roberts in the fourth round of 2017 NFL Draft due to his potential as a red-zone weapon. Still, he never managed to meet this projection in Detroit due to a combination of inconsistency and injuries. During his two seasons with the Lions, Roberts had 13 receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns.
With Lions taking T.J. Hockenson with No.8 pick in 2019 NFL Draft and giving Jesse James a significant contract in the offseason, Roberts fell down the depth chart and was reportedly set to be the fourth choice on TE position. With the 25-year-old being a long shot at making the final roster, Detroit decided to take what they can for him and send him to New England.
Patriots, on the other side, are scrambling to find the proper solution on the tight end position after the retirement of Rob Gronkowski. With Watson being suspended for four games and starting position being up for grabs, Roberts might get a chance to finally find a more prominent role in New England.
