Patriots-Lions Trade for Tight End Michael Roberts Fell Through
By Michael Luciano
It looks like the New England Patriots are never going to solve their short-term tight end issues.
Their latest attempt to fill the Rob Gronkowski void came in the form of Detroit Lions TE Michael Roberts, who was on the outside looking in after Matt Patricia spent the eight overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on Iowa tight end TJ Hockenson. While Roberts was going to head to New England via trade, the deal fell through and Detroit released him.
The #Lions-#Patriots trade involving TE Michael Roberts fell through. He reverted back to the #Lions roster and they waived him today.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) June 14, 2019
After an extremely productive college career as a red zone weapon at Toledo, Roberts was selected 127th overall in the 2017 draft. However, with just 13 career catches, including just nine last season, Roberts hasn't given Detroit a ton of value. Roberts did have three touchdowns last season, however, indicating he has a niche to fill at this level.
Michael Roberts 15-yard touchdown against the #Dolphins from Matthew Staffordpic.twitter.com/atP8cObrdX
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 13, 2019
While Roberts likely would have been on the receiving end of plenty of Tom Brady passes in New England, he now finds himself on the open market. If the Patriots really want him, they'll just sign him now.