After being released by the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, wide receiver Tim Patrick quickly found a new team.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Detroit Lions plan to sign Patrick to their practice squad with the goal of working his way up to the active roster.
Patrick was an effective wide receiver for the Broncos just a few years ago, amassing at least 50 catches and 700 yards in consecutive seasons in 2020 and 2021. However, a succession of season-ending injuries in 2022 and 2023 cost him two years of his career and have kept him off the football field ever since.
But he was back on the field during the preseason, catching all five passes thrown his way for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Despite returning to the field and appearing effective, the Broncos cut him (money was likely a factor) and allowed him to become a free agent.
If Patrick can return to the level of performance he demonstrated in 2020 and 2021, he would be an excellent compliment to Detroit’s wide receiver room, which already contains Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. The question is whether or not this is doable. After two years away from game activity due to injury, as well as the fact that he is now 30 years old (and will be 31 in November), it is probable that his ability has slid a little.
The good news is that the Lions will not require him to be the focal point of the offence. They only need him to be a secondary option and add depth.
It’s an intriguing chance on a good athlete who has shown to be productive in the NFL.
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