By Mummy Grace 
What’s Next for Tim Patrick and the Lions?
The NFL offseason is here, and with free agency just around the corner, the Detroit Lions have some big decisions to make. They’ve already locked in a few players, but there are still 34 guys hitting free agency. One of the easier choices? Wide receiver Tim Patrick.
How Patrick Landed in Detroit
Last offseason, the Lions were scrambling to replace Josh Reynolds, who signed with the Broncos. Their free agency attempts flopped, and by the end of training camp, it was clear that none of the in-house options were good enough. Then, Denver cut Tim Patrick, and the Lions jumped on the opportunity.
Of course, there were concerns. Patrick had missed two straight seasons due to a torn ACL (2022) and a torn Achilles (2023). But before those injuries, he was a reliable receiver, with back-to-back 700+ yard seasons.
How Patrick Performed in 2024
Patrick didn’t put up monster numbers, but he did exactly what the Lions needed—be a steady, dependable target. He finished with:
- 33 catches, 394 yards, 3 TDs in 16 games (9 starts)
- 1 catch for 22 yards in the playoffs
That’s not quite Reynolds’ production from the year before (40 catches, 608 yards, 5 TDs), but the Lions didn’t need Patrick to be a star. They needed a solid WR-X to complement Jameson Williams, who had a breakout season with 1,001 yards.
More importantly, Patrick fit the Lions’ mentality—“No Block, No Rock.” Head coach Dan Campbell praised his willingness to do the dirty work, and Jared Goff loved having him as a reliable target.
Should the Lions Re-Sign Patrick?
Patrick, now 31, is hitting free agency after signing a one-year, $1.125 million deal.
Pros of Bringing Him Back:
✅ Great fit for Detroit’s culture
✅ Reliable hands and strong route-running
✅ Won’t demand a massive contract
✅ Allows the Lions to draft a WR without feeling desperate
Cons of Bringing Him Back:
❌ Injury history is a concern
❌ Production was solid but not spectacular
❌ Might want to cash in on a bigger deal elsewhere
What’s the Price Tag?
Patrick’s next contract will probably be a one- or two-year deal worth $2.5-3 million per season—similar to guys like Tyler Boyd ($2.4M) and Zay Jones ($2.25M).
The Bottom Line
This should be an easy call. Patrick is a great fit, and a short-term deal keeps the Lions flexible in the draft. If he wants a big payday, Detroit might let him walk, but staying with a Super Bowl-contending team could be his best move.
What do you think? Should the Lions re-sign Patrick? 🤔