An additional project was added by the New England Patriots to their tight finish room.
The Detroit Lions traded the Patriots TE Michael Roberts in exchange for a 2020 conditional pick, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. The Lions official that was later announced the offer.
The Detroit News’ Justin Rogers first reported that the swap.
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A fourth-round pick in 2017, Roberts owned the red-zone and dimension production to endeavor as a possible TD weapon. That possible materialized in Detroit.
“Great competition from the (TE) room right now, so we had an chance to move on from Mike and get some thing later on for it,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said when asked about the team’s decision to deal Roberts.
The 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end was hindered by injuries from actualizing his ability. In two seasons with the Lions, Roberts compiled only 13 receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns. The TE showed promise last offseason, but injury derailed that progress, and he ended up playing only eight games in 2018.
The Lions targeted tight end upgrades this offseason, making T.J. Hockenson a top-10 pick and signing Jesse James into a big contract. Detroit added Logan Thomas and seventh-rounder Isaac Nauta this offseason.
Roberts was running as the fourth TE during Lions’ offseason workouts, and given the reimbursement was a long-shot to make the roster out of training camp.
The joins a Patriots roster hoping to piecemeal manufacturing to replace Rob Gronkowski. New England’s TE room includes 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 one of the most important mismatch advantages in NFL history.
Roberts has struggled as a blocker — did show small improvements before injury struck last season — and didn’t create as a pass-catcher in restricted time. Absence of evolution and his injuries were one reason Detroit. He heads to New England where he must get more chances to demonstrate growth.
If Roberts turns out to make a small percent of the effect that the previous flier the Patriots took on a washed-out Lions draft pick (Kyle Van Noy), New England is going to be pleased.
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