The Lions are trading tight end Michael Roberts to the Patriots for a conditional 7th-round pick in 2020, according to Justin Rogers of the Detroit News (on Twitter). Roberts, a fourth-round pick in 2017, will hope to find success with a chance of scenery. 
Roberts has yet to break through at the pro level, but he has flashed some ability over the past two seasons. He had his best showing in October of last year when he caught two touchdown passes against the Dolphins. Ultimately, however, injuries have prevented him from really making a dent.
Roberts provides the Patriots with another possibility at tight end, something they sorely need after the retirement of star Rob Gronkowski. Austin Seferian-Jenkins was meant to be one of the team’s solutions at the position, but the Pats released him earlier this month when his personal problems reemerged. Meanwhile, new pickup Ben Watson will be sidelined for the first four games of the season due to PEDs.
As it currently stands, Matt LaCosse projects to be the Patriots’ starting TE when they open the season in September. The Roberts acquisition probably won’t change that, but he could provide some valuable support if he’s able to make the cut.
Stone hands Roberts!!!
if memory serves me right, he was on a lot of mock draft lists going to the Pat’s in 2017 as it was…soooo…maybe Bill had an eye on him back then as well.
Guy has huge hands but more of a blocking end but rolls in around 6’5″, so should get his fair share of end zone looks.
Just needs to block for Sony Michel and make some grabs here & there. Just like Gronk did in his finale season.
Roberts + Patriots/Belichek/Brady = Futer Pro Bowl
Future