Several Detroit press outlets are reporting that the Lions are parting with tight end Michael Roberts and trading him to the Patriots for a late-round draft pick.
Roberts has been with the Lions since 2017 and has flashed promise but his career thus far has been beset by injuries. Roberts was red zone machine at Toledo, catching 16 touchdowns his senior year but hasn’t been able to stay on the field.
In 2018, he caught nine passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. He suffered a knee injury early in the season and later a shoulder injury that put him on IR. This past offseason, the Lions signed free agent tight end Jesse James from the Steelers and then added T.J. Hockenson from Iowa with the #8 pick in the draft. Later adding Isaac Nauta from Georgia. They also have Logan Thomas, the converted QB/TE.
Now with the Patriots, Roberts will be given a chance to carve out a role for himself once training camp begins. His availability will be the biggest question mark facing him with the Patriots. It never seemed to be a talent issue.
He’ll enter Foxboro with a clean slate but if he suffers any setbacks in camp this summer, it won’t bode well for his chances.
Follow me on Twitter @SteveB7SFG or email me at [email protected]
Listen in to our Patriots 4th and 2 podcasts as Russ Goldman, Derek Havens and I from PatsFans.com discuss the latest Patriots news and game analysis.
Support Steve and buy him a coffee.
Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants
We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
More Patriots News Headlines:
Morse: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Day 3
By: Mark MorsePatriots training camp Day 3 notes reveal Gabe Jacas's rare injury waiver contract, plus updates on AJ Brown, Kayshon Boutte, and depth chart battles.
Monday Afternoon Patriots Notebook 7/27: Boutte Continues Making a Case, Interesting Jacas’ Contract Detail
By: Ian LoguePatriots training camp: Kayshon Boutte shines for Drake Maye, Caleb Lomu impresses, Hunter Henry's future, Gabe Jacas's contract, and A.J. Brown's health.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel’s Press Conference 7/27
By: Ian LogueHere’s the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say ahead of the start of training camp on Monday,…
MORSE: Patriots Training Camp Day 2
By: Mark MorsePatriots Training Camp Day 2 saw Behren Morton impress, Kayshon Boutte make a big play, and the defense dominate. Koby Prentice was also claimed.
Patriots Notes 07-26: Training Camp Begins, Jacas, Gonzo News
By: Steve BalestrieriPatriots training camp opens with Mike Vrabel's team-building message, Jacas' new deal, and Robert Kraft's record contract offer for Christian Gonzalez.
