One of Brad Holmes’ chief priorities this offseason is determining which of 31 free agents the Lions must re-sign. Several key defensive stars including Carlton Davis, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Levi Onwuzerike are set to reach the open market this year. Unfortunately, with so many players hitting the free agent market, and the upcoming draft in April, Holmes will be making some hard choices. However, one of the players the Lions should retain is wide receiver Tim Patrick.
Why Free Agent Tim Patrick Is a Priority for Detroit Lions
A big 6”5” 210 lb. target, Tim Patrick joined the Lions only a year ago. But the seven-year veteran quickly established himself as a reliable go-to option for Lions MVP-caliber quarterback Jared Goff. Starting only nine games this season, Patrick was the fourth most productive receiver after Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and tight end Sam LaPorta.
A Utah graduate, Patrick’s college numbers were hampered when he missed 17 games due to a broken hand. He finished his collegiate career with 61 catches for 888 yards and five touchdowns.
Declaring for the 2017 draft, Patrick performed well at the Pre-Draft combine. Scoring a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash despite his large physical stature, he received high marks as a deep ball threat. Although limited in his route-running ability, Patrick was considered a promising draft prospect with good hands and the ability to create separation.
But despite his desirable physicality and speed, he went undrafted. As a UDFA, although he had minicamp tryouts with the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, it wasn’t until the following October his perseverance paid off. Signing a contract with the Denver Broncos, Patrick’s NFL dream was finally coming true.
Patrick-Finding Early Success In Denver
Taking advantage of every opportunity, Patrick earned a starting assignment with the Broncos in his third year. In 2020 and 2021, he had consecutive seasons with 50 or more receptions, easily topping 700 receiving yards. Appearing in 55 games for Denver, he recorded 143 receptions for 2,009 yards with a dozen touchdowns.
But he experienced a horrific setback with back-to-back serious injuries in training camp the next two seasons. In August of 2023, Patrick wound up on injured reserve with a torn ACL and exactly one year later, a torn Achilles prematurely ended his season.
Patrick Becomes Part of A Winning Lions Offense
On August 26, 2024, Patrick was released by Denver. He was picked up by the Lions the next day and signed to their practice squad. It didn’t take Patrick long to prove himself worthy of a roster spot. Within a month, he was elevated to the Lions 53-man roster.
As Patrick and Goff began to develop chemistry together, he became a steady and reliable target. His 34 receptions for 416 yards with three touchdowns gave the coaches a glimpse of what Patrick could provide as an impact player. Patrick’s best game came late in the season against the Green Bay Packers when he had 6 receptions for 43 yards with two touchdowns.
Why the Lions Should Re-Sign Tim Patrick
One of the reasons the Lions should sign Patrick for the 2025 season is that he is a proven talent. He and Goff have established a solid connection that will only get stronger with more opportunities. He is already familiar with the Lions’ offense. Plus, his previous experience with the Broncos’ should work well with the Lions’ offense under John Morton, who was a former Denver coordinator. He’s demonstrated a solid work ethic and the patience and determination to overcome adversity.
In addition, Tim Patrick’s one-year cap hit for the Lions is a modest $1.3 million. Drafting a talented young receiver would likely result in a higher cap hit. In addition, a rookie could take longer to develop. Bringing a young player on board requires time and patience. They need to familiarize themselves with the rigors of an NFL season and learn the team’s offense. While “Jamo” has proven to be a very talented receiver, it took three years for him to finally reach his expected potential with the Lions. With Patrick, they have a player the Lions can trust to make an immediate impact.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – Imagn Images
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