The New England Patriots and their finish room added another job together.
The Detroit Lions traded TE Michael Roberts in exchange for a 2020 conditional select to the Patriots, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. The offer was declared by the Lions official that was afterwards.
The Detroit News’ Justin Rogers reported that the swap.
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A fourth-round pick in 2017, Roberts owned the dimension and red-zone production to endeavor as a TD weapon. That possible never materialized in Detroit.
“Great competition from the (TE) room right now, so we had an chance to move on from Mike and get something later on for this,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said when asked about the team’s choice to cope Roberts.
In ever actualizing his ability injuries hindered the 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end. In just two seasons with the Lions, Roberts compiled for 146 yards and three touchdowns. The TE showed promise last offseason, however, trauma derailed that progress, and he ended up playing with only eight games in 2018.
The Lions targeted tight finish upgrades this offseason, making T.J. Hockenson a top-10 choice and signing Jesse James into a big contract. Detroit added seventh-rounder Isaac Nauta this offseason and Logan Thomas.
Roberts was allegedly running as the TE during Lions’ offseason workouts, and given that the compensation was a long-shot to make the roll out of training camp.
A Patriots roster hoping to substitute Rob Gronkowski is now joined by the 25-year-old. New England’s TE room comprises Benjamin Watson (suspended four games), Matt LaCosse, Stephen Anderson, Ryan Izzo, Andrew Beck, and Roberts. After releasing Austin Seferian-Jenkins because of personal reasons, it’s apparent the Pats are throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks in an attempt help replace a few of the most important mismatch advantages in NFL history.
Roberts has struggled as a blocker — though did show small improvements before injury struck last year — and didn’t create as a pass-catcher in restricted time. Lack of evolution and his injuries were one motive Detroit. Where he must get more opportunities to show development, at least till Watson 21, he heads to New England.
If Roberts turns out to earn a small percent of the effect that the last flier the Patriots took on a washed-out Lions draft pick (Kyle Van Noy), New England will be happy.
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