The Lions are a team made up of Patriots connections, and they continue to go to that well when it comes to filling out the roster. That trend extended Wednesday with the signing of linebacker Trevor Bates.

To make room for Bates, the Lions cut tight end DeAndre Goolsby.

Bates, 24, spent his second year in the league last season on the practice squads of the Patriots and Giants. That means he spent time with new Lions linebackers Jonathan Freeny, who comes from New England; Devon Kennard, who arrives from New York.

He also played for new Lions coach Matt Patricia, who was New England's defensive coordinator last season.

Bates entered the league as a seventh-round pick out of Maine in 2016. He played his first season with the Colts, where he appeared in the only NFL game of his brief career so far.

He measures 6 feet 2 inches and 247 pounds, continuing the trend of adding bigger players to complement second-year middle linebacker Jarrad Davis. Coming out of college, he was seen as a rush linebacker who could have a chance to find work on situational passing downs.

He'll look to that and special teams as the goal this season. He will be eligible for a third season on the practice squad as well.