Free agent profile: Re-signing Tim Patrick should be top priority

A look at the pros, cons, and projected cost of re-signing Tim Patrick for the Detroit Lions.

With the NFL offseason upon us and free agency just a smidge more than a month away, it’s time to look at the internal decisions the Detroit Lions are facing in the upcoming weeks. After signing 11 practice squad players to futures deals, and re-signing Morice Norris and Netane Muti, the Lions have a total of 34 players who are already free agents or set to become free agents. So over the next month, we’re going to profile each individual free agent and examine whether the Lions should bring that player back or not.

We begin the series with one of the Lions’ easier decisions.

Tim Patrick

Expectations heading into 2024

The Lions spent all offseason desperate to find a replacement for Josh Reynolds, who had left for the Denver Broncos in free agency. Detroit more or less failed to do so in free agency, and by the time training camp ended, it was clear the likes of Donovan Peoples-Jones, Daurice Fountain, Maurice Alexander, and Isaiah Williams weren’t going to cut it.

So when Tim Patrick fell in their lap following Broncos roster cuts, it was clear he was immediately the front-runner to take Detroit’s starting WR-X role. Of course, like with any new wide receiver, there was expected to be a chemistry-building period between Jared Goff and Patrick. And with Patrick’s injury history (torn ACL in 2022, torn Achilles in 2023), there was certainly some concern he wouldn’t be as productive as he was in 2020 or 2021 (both 700+ yard seasons).

But he had a very strong reputation in Denver as a hard worker, good route runner with reliable hands, and a player who won’t hesitate to mix it up as a blocker.

In other words, there was some guarded optimism.

Actual role in 2024

Regular season — 16 games (9 starts): 33 catches, 394 yards, 3 TDs — 641 snaps
Postseason — 1 game: 1 receptions 22 yards

PFF Offensive grade: 66.9 (66th of 110 WRs)
PFF Receiving grade: 66.0 (69th)
PFF Run Blocking grade: 63.6 (19th of 142)

After sitting out the season opener and only catching three balls for 20 yards in the next two games, Patrick quickly became a regular contributor for the Lions offense.

While Patrick’s production (33 catches, 394 yards, 3 TDs) was modest compared to that of Reynolds in 2023 (40 catches, 608 yards, 5 TDs), the expectation was never to replicate Reynolds’ contributions. With the emergence of Jameson Williams (354 yards in 2023 to 1,001 in 2024), the Lions just needed a pair of steady hands who could do his role and make plays when called upon—and Patrick was undeniably that. He caught 33 of his 44 targets and was not credited with a drop by PFF for just the second time in his career.

Most importantly, though, Patrick was a perfect match for the Lions’ philosophy of “No Block, No Rock.”

“He fits right in with our guys,” coach Dan Campbell said in October. “I mean he’s just—he’s all in, he’s got no problem doing dirty work. The more he’s—I mean, we’ve got a lot of stuff we’re asking him to do this week. Every week we put more on his plate, we’re asking him to do a lot mentally and physically, which is a good thing.”

Here are just a few examples of some big Patrick blocks:

As for that chemistry with Goff? Sure sounds like the Lions quarterback was happy with how thing had developed by December.

“He’s been as important as anybody,” Goff said. “He’s been great for that receiver room, he’s been great for me, he’s constantly communicating, he does a lot of the dirty work and a lot of the stuff that some other guys would not do, so it’s nice to have a guy like that and such a reliable target for me and does everything right.”

Outlook for 2025

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Patrick, who turned 31 in November, is facing unrestricted free agency after signing just a one-year, $1.125 million contract with Detroit.

Pros of re-signing

In short, he’s a pure culture fit and a very reliable receiver. With his age and injury history, he likely won’t break the bank or be expecting a long-term contract. Re-signing Patrick would temporarily fill a need while keeping the option open for the Lions to find a more long-term WR-X in the 2025 NFL Draft. We know the Lions don’t like to go into the draft with a pressing need, so if the Lions can re-sign Patrick, it would mean they wouldn’t have to reach to get receiver in the draft.

Cons of re-signing

Patrick is 31 and that long injury history still lingers as a risk factor. His production was only modest, meaning Detroit could probably find a replacement at a small cost relative to that production from last season. It’s possible at this point in his career, Patrick is looking to cash in one final time, and with a fully-healthy season completed, he could use that to parlay himself into a bigger contract. A reunion with Ben Johnson in Chicago feels possible, as he could set a strong example for young receivers that may or may not have questions about his work ethic.

Is there interest from both sides?

While neither side has said anything publicly, it’s fair to assume the Lions would be interested in a reunion. Several times this past season, Campbell, Goff, or Ben Johnson have gushed about his fit in their offense. I would be shocked if the Lions weren’t interested, Although, I felt the same about Reynolds last year, and Detroit failed to outbid Denver’s relatively cheap offer.

It’s hard to know what Patrick’s priorities are at this point in his career. Does he want a chance to hit free agency and score one last decent contract? Would he be happy with just a modest receiving role in Detroit again, or does he believe he’s due for a bigger piece of the pie. He likely isn’t getting more production in Detroit next year, as the Lions are retaining every other offensive weapon.

That said, he certainly sounded appreciative of everything he got from Detroit in 2024.

“I trusted coming here,” Patrick said following a two-touchdown performance against the Packers. “I knew it was going to be rough in the beginning, but I knew it had the ability to be really special if I am the player who I thought I was. It’s turning out as planned, so very thankful.”

So, I would think there’s at least some mutual interest.

Cost?

It’s hard to know what a guy like Patrick would be worth at this point in his career. With the injury history and age, it’s not likely to be more than a two-year deal, and with his production, it’s hard to see him commanding anything more than $3 or $4 million a year.

Some notable contracts from last year at the position:

• Odell Beckham Jr. — 1 year, $3 million:
• Tyler Boyd — 1 year, $2.4 million:
• DJ Chark — 1 year, $3 million:
• Zay Jones: 1 year, $2.25 million

The Boyd and Jones contracts feel the most relevant to Patrick. Jones was entering his 29-year season after producing 34 catches for 321 yards and two touchdowns. Boyd entered his 30-year season having caught 67 passes for 667 yards and two scores.

Therefore, I think a one-year, $2.5-3 million deal would be completely fair for Detroit to pay.

Conclusion

I think this should be something that is done with ease and without any complicated thoughts. Patrick is a fantastic fit for everything the Lions want, and a short-term deal makes sense so that Detroit can still consider receiver options in the draft. For Patrick, this may not be the big cash-in he may be seeking, but at age 31 with two major injuries not so deep into his history, I’m not sure there will be a huge market for him. His best option may be to stay with a team that not only will have a role for him, but will have a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl in 2025.