FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots are acquiring third-year tight end Michael Roberts from the Detroit Lions for a conditional 7th-round pick in 2020, a league source confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Patriots are thin at tight end as they transition without Rob Gronkowski, who announced his retirement in March.
Four-year veteran Matt LaCosse was taking No. 1 reps in mandatory minicamp. He had a career high 24 receptions with the Broncos last season.
Meanwhile, veteran Benjamin Watson figures to be part of the mix, but he will miss the first four games of the season due to NFL suspension.