Raiders release WR Seth Roberts; veteran slot seems like a fit for the Patriots
Nov 19, 2017; Mexico City, MEX: Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) cannot make a catch during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Estadio Azteca. (Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Oakland Raiders are releasing receiver Seth Roberts, according to a new report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. And the veteran slot man could draw interest from the Patriots.
Roberts has never made a major impact as an inside receiver for the Raiders, but he’s been consistent as a complementary/reserve piece for their offense. Over the past four seasons he’s averaged 15.5 games and 40 catches, 457 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
If he ended up in New England, Roberts would be the kind of signing that made a lot of people mad on the internet. He wouldn’t have a good chance to be a hugely impactful receiver for the Pats, but he’d have an opportunity to put up career-best numbers with Tom Brady throwing him the ball. Roberts’ realistic projection as a Patriot would be as camp competition for Bruce Ellington and 2018 sixth-round pick Braxton Berrios, and not much beyond that.
As a free agent, Roberts likely wouldn’t cost much more than the veteran minimum and nominal guarantees. He’d essentially be the same kind of signing as Ellington, so maybe Bill Belichick doesn’t bother.
But as a receiver who’s played most of his career in the slot, Roberts could be on the Patriots’ radar after hitting the open market. He’d also bring more size (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) to the slot receiving corps with a more similar frame to fellow New England addition Maurice Harris. The Patriots could at least use another body at receiver, if not an impact addition. Roberts represents the former.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
