The Detroit Lions add another former Patriot to their roster
The Detroit Lions continue to add to their roster with depth from a team both the general manager and new head coach are very familiar with.
With Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn and new head coach Matt Patricia coming from the New England Patroits’ organization, it makes sense that both men might favor former Pats themselves when scouring free agency for players.
So far, the Lions have added former Patroits like running back LeGarrette Blount, quarterback Matt Cassel, linebacker Jonathan Freeny and wide receiver Chris Lacy, who was just awarded to Detroit via waivers on Monday. Well, you can now add another name to that growing list of ex-Patriots.
On Wednesday, the Lions signed linebacker Trevor Bates. The former seventh round selection out of Maine was originally drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2016. He’s also spent time on both the New York Giants and Patriots’ practice squad since.
In fact, New England was so impressed by Bates that they increased his minimum practice squad salary of $6,900 per week to $18,000 per week. He was also named their Practice Player of the Week twice! Clearly, Patricia, who was the Patroits’ defensive coordinator at the time, was very impressed by this young man.
Bates has played just one regular season game in the NFL, recording 22 special teams snaps for the Colts back in Week Five of 2016.
The 6-foot-2, 247 pound third-year professional will now join a bloated linebacker room in Detroit, fighting for a roster spot with defenders like Jarrad Davis, Devon Kennard, Christian Jones, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Jonathan Freeny, Nick Bellore, Steve Longa plus rookies in Al-Rasheed Benton and Chad Meredith. Yet, Bates could have a leg-up making this Lions’ active roster having played in Patricia’s system before.
Next: Detroit Lions: 15 best first-round draft picks of all-time
The Detroit Lions will be implementing a fresh defensive scheme under their new, first-time head coach. And the ex-Patriot clearly wants some added insurance on the roster to help make the transition as seamless as possible. The addition of Trevor Bates does just that.