Pats trade for Lions TE Michael Roberts

Mark Brown | Getty Images

The New England Patriots are making moves again.

After finding themselves in a bit of a rut at the tight end position ever since Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement in March, the search has been on to find his successor.

On Thursday, the team acquired third-year tight end Michael Roberts in a trade with the Detroit Lions, who will now get a seventh-round pick in 2020.

Currently on the Patriots squad at the tight end position is four-year veteran Matt LaCosse. LaCosse was seen taking the top reps at minicamp. Benjamin Watson is highly likely to be a big part of the rotation, but only after he serves his four-game suspension at the start of the year. Rounding out the depth chart at tight end for the Patriots are Stephen Anderson and Ryan Izzo.

Newly acquired Roberts spent his first two seasons with the Lions, totaling 13 receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns in 23 regular-season games. While he had breakout moments last season, he struggled with injuries. This led the Lions to rework their tight end room and ultimately landed Roberts in tough spot where it was uncertain if he would make the roster.

New England now assumes the new tight end’s contract that has two years left on it. Roberts is set to earn a base salary of $645,000 in 2019 and $735,000 in 2020.

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