The Patriots, still looking to fill the void left by Rob Gronkowski after he retired this offseason, on Monday acquired third-year tight end Eric Saubert from the Falcons for a conditional draft pick, Atlanta announced.
TRADE: We have traded TE Eric Saubert to the Patriots for a conditional draft pick.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 12, 2019
STORY - https://t.co/U4l4v3T8ub
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, who cited unidentified sources, the Patriots are sending a conditional seventh-round pick to the Falcons.
The Patriots are acquiring third-year tight end Eric Saubert from the Falcons in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft choice, per sources. Saubert is in his third sesson from Drake.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 12, 2019
Saubert, 25, was selected by the Falcons out of Drake in the fifth round of the 2017 draft. He appeared in 14 games as a rookie but didn't have a reception. He had five catches for 48 yards as he played in 16 games (one start), primarily on special teams, last season.
The Patriots' official website lists an unofficial depth chart that shows Ben Watson as the No. 1 tight end, Matt LaCosse as the No. 2 and Stephen Anderson as the No. 3. Lance Kendricks, Ryan Izzo and Andrew Beck also are listed.
With Saubert's departure, Atlanta still has Austin Hooper, Logan Paulsen, Luke Stocker, Jaeden Graham and Alex Gray at the position.