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Patriots Free Agency Rumors: The case for re-signing Elandon Roberts

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: Elandon Roberts #52 of the New England Patriot is seen before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: Elandon Roberts #52 of the New England Patriot is seen before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Why the New England Patriots should re-sign versatile linebacker Elandon Roberts.

When it came to versatility and doing your job, veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts displayed it for the New England Patriots in 2019.

Selected in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Roberts has been one of those feel good stories for the Patriots.  He has had some up-and-down games as far as production goes, but overall he has done anything and everything Bill Belichick and the coaching staff has asked of him.

As one of the more hard-hitting defensive players on the team, Roberts has been a consistent contributor on Special Teams and with the team lacking depth at fullback in 2019, the versatile linebacker proved to the team he can be valuable on the offensive side of the ball as well.

Primarily serving as a lead blocker for Sony Michel and the running back crew, Roberts established some consistency in place of All-Pro fullback James Develin.  He also showed he can be a factor in the passing game.

Check out this 38-yard touchdown reception against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 of the 2019 NFL season:

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1211376477951819776

As pumped up as Roberts at the time of the touchdown, he was just as disappointed his team went on to lose that game, thus a first-round bye in the playoffs.  His team-first attitude and the fact he played multiple positions on the field in 2019 increased his value to the New England Patriots and perhaps to a whole lot of other teams around the NFL.

Bring back Elandon Roberts

The New England Patriots are likely not bringing back both Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins.  That leaves Elandon Roberts as a cheaper option they should bring back.

Although other teams will see his value, except for teams like the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins, no team will blow him away with an offer Bill Belichick won’t be willing to match.

The reason the Lions and Dolphins are mentions is because that’s where the team’s two prior defensive play callers serve as head coach.  If any coaches will see the value of an Elandon Roberts beyond individual statistics, it will be both Matt Patricia and Brian Flores.

Next. Patriots Free Agency Rumors: The case against re-signing Phillip Dorsett. dark

Overall, his 29 combined tackles and 1.0 sack doesn’t scream out as a player the New England Patriots desperately need to bring back, the overall versatility of a player like Elandon Roberts is exactly what Belichick relishes.  Also, those types of players have been an importance facet to the team in their ability to consistently win over the years.

Expect this young, versatile linebacker back in a New England Patriots uniform in 2020 and beyond.

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