Report: Detroit Lions signing former Broncos WR Tim Patrick

The Detroit Lions are reportedly signing WR Tim Patrick to their practice squad.

The Detroit Lions may finally have their X-receiver. As first reported by Cecil Lammey, the Lions are signing veteran receiver Tim Patrick. Per Adam Schefter, it will be to Detroit’s practice squad.

Early reports suggested the Denver Broncos attempted to trade Patrick prior to the 53-man roster cutdowns and that there was a potential market , but a deal never emerged and Denver released him on Tuesday. Because Patrick is a vested veteran, he could sign anywhere he pleased, and he apparently agreed to join the Lions.

Patrick has had a very productive NFL career. Despite going undrafted in 2017, the Broncos eventually found him the following year and turned him into a solid player. Here’s a look at his statlines in four seasons with the Broncos.

2018: 23 catches, 315 yards, 1 TD
2019: 16 catches, 218 yards (limited to 8 games after hand injury)
2020: 51 catches, 742 yards, 6 TDs
2021: 53 catches, 734 yards, 5 TDs

Unfortunately, Patrick’s stats end there, as he’s had two season ending injuries during the preseason each of the last two years. He tore his ACL in training camp in 2022, and tore his Achilles in 2023.

That said, reports from Broncos training camp suggest Patrick was looking healthy and productive in camp this year. In two preseason appearances, Patrick caught five passes for 44 yards and this touchdown.

There’s obviously a pretty high level of risk in adding Patrick, a 30-year-old coming off two major injuries, but he also represents everything the Lions are looking for in a receiver. He’s got the height and production of a classic WR-X (6-foot-4 and willing blocker).