The New England Patriots made another move on Thursday as they look to replace the big void left by retiring tight end Rob Gronkowski.
The Patriots added former Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts in a trade on Thursday, acquiring in exchange for a conditional selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Roberts spent the first two seasons of his career with the Lions, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. While he has always flashed potential, he was never able to capitalize on his potential in Detroit.
The 6’6″ pass catcher only recorded 13 receptions for 146 yards and 3 touchdowns in two seasons with the Lions. However, it’s worth noting that he missed significant time with injury in 2018 after a shoulder ailment stopped him from playing for much of the season.
Roberts is seen by the Patriots as a “project,” and they intend to work with him in order to develop him into a threat for their offense, hoping that he could help replace the production left behind by Gronkowski.
They’ll do it at a minuscule cost, making the move a no-brainer on their part.
Roberts now must look to capitalize on his large frame and pass-catching ability in order to establish himself as one of the Patriots’ primary options on offense.
