According to Adam Schefter on Twitter, the Detroit Lions have released tight end Michael Roberts.
Lions announced today that TE Michael Roberts reverted back to the team’s roster, per trade conditions. Subsequently, the Lions announced that they have waived Roberts.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 14, 2019
The Detroit Lions are out to confuse the NFL world with this one — not because the move made no sense, but because of the road they took to get there.
As you can see from the tweet, this wasn't a simple release.
It all started on June 13, when the Lions traded Michael Roberts to the New England Patriots for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2020. Apparently according to the trade conditions, the plan wasn't for Roberts to be with the Patriots.
He was sent back to the Lions, where he was then released.
Sadly for Roberts, he was never going to fit into Detroit's plans. The Lions drafted T.J. Hockenson out of Iowa with the eighth selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. He's ultra talented and expected to be the future of the position – a hybrid who can do everything at a high level.
Behind him they have a solid veteran in Jesse James and two wild cards in veteran Logan Thomas and rookie Isaac Nauta. Simply, there was no spot for Roberts to fit into.
With that in mind, this move shouldn't come as a shock to anyone. Now, if you're surprised at how complicated and convoluted the entire thing is — that makes sense. However, if it's the simple fact that the Lions were already set at tight end that surprises you — why?
Michael Roberts played for the Lions for the last two seasons. In eight games last year he reeled in nine receptions for 100 yards and a solid three touchdowns. He's a big target at 6-5 and 265 pounds and is still young at just 25.
Hopefully Roberts gets another shot with a team; he has a lot going for him. The only thing we're certain of is that it isn't going to be with the Detroit Lions, and probably not the New England Patriots either.
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