New England Patriots

Dec 9, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

By Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com

The Patriots have added another tight end to their roster as they search for answers on their depth chart in the wake of Rob Gronkowski’s retirement.

The team struck a deal with the Detroit Lions Thursday for third year tight end Michael Roberts. In return, the Pats will send a conditional seventh round pick to Detroit.

The Patriots are thin at tight end. Veteran Ben Watson likely would have entered the season at the top of the depth chart, but is facing a four-game suspension to start the year. Matt LaCosse, coming off a 24-catch season with the Denver Broncos in 2018, took the first-team reps in mini-camp. The Pats also have Ryan Izzo and Stephen Anderson on the roster.

Roberts has two years remaining on his contract. He is owed $645,000 in 2019 and $735,000 in 2020.

You can hear Matt McCarthy on various 98.5 The Sports Hub programs. Follow him on Twitter @MattMcCarthy985.

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