ORONO, Maine -- Former University of Maine all-conference football standout Trevor Bates has signed a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions, as announced by the organization on Wednesday, May 23.

Bates entered the NFL in 2016 after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round, 239th overall. Following his time with the Colts, Bates served practice squad stints with the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

Bates, who was selected to the 2015 All-CAA first team, finished his senior season at UMaine second on the team with 57 tackles and led the team with 7.5 sacks. Bates ranked third in the league in tackles for loss (14.5) and third in sacks while adding two pass breakups, a forced fumble and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

A three-time all-conference selection, Bates earned a selection to the 2015 Division-I All-New England Football team as well as an ECAC Division I Football Championship Subdivision All-Star first team honor.

During his time at Maine, Bates played in 46 games, tallying 207 tackles (35 for loss), with 19 sacks three interceptions, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and nine pass breakups.

-UMaine-