An additional job was added by the New England Patriots to their end room.
TE Michael Roberts was traded by the Detroit Lions in exchange for a 2020 conditional select into the Patriots, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. The deal was declared by the Lions afterwards official.
The Detroit News’ Justin Rogers reported the swap.
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A fourth-round select in 2017, Roberts possessed the red-zone and dimension production to endeavor as a potential TD weapon. That possible never materialized in Detroit.
“Good competition from the (TE) room at this time, so we had an opportunity to proceed out of Mike and hopefully get something in the future for this,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said when asked about the team’s choice to cope Roberts.
The 265-pound tight end was hindered by injuries in ever actualizing his ability. In two seasons with the Lions, Roberts compiled for 146 yards and three touchdowns. The TE showed promise last offseason, however, injury derailed that advancement, and he ended up playing with just eight games in 2018.
The Lions targeted tight end updates this offseason, making T.J. Hockenson a top-10 choice and signing Jesse James to a significant contract. Detroit also included seventh-rounder Isaac Nauta that this offseason and Logan Thomas.
Roberts was running as the fourth TE during Lions’ offseason workouts, and given the reimbursement was probably a long-shot to make the roster out of training camp.
A Patriots roster hoping to piecemeal manufacturing 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 clear 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 — though did show small improvements before injury struck last year — and didn’t create as a pass-catcher in limited time. His injuries and lack of development were one reason Detroit completely overhauled the TE room this offseason. Where he should get more opportunities to show development, at least till Watson 21, he now heads to New England.
If Roberts turns out to earn a fraction of the effect that the last flier the Patriots took to a washed-out Lions draft pick (Kyle Van Noy), New England is going to be pleased.
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