The New York Jets are looking to add some firepower to their wide receiver corps this offseason, and one familiar name has surfaced as a potential signing—Tim Patrick of the Detroit Lions. According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, the Jets could bring in Patrick as a depth piece to help solidify their receiving unit.
Patrick, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver, spent the 2024 season with the Lions, where he hauled in 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns. He previously spent seven seasons with the Denver Broncos before joining Detroit. Injuries derailed the latter part of his Denver tenure, as he missed the entire 2022 and 2023 seasons due to an ACL tear and an Achilles injury. However, he bounced back with the Lions and proved he still has something left in the tank.
The Jets’ interest in Patrick is fueled by his connections to members of the coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, both of whom worked with him in Detroit. His projected contract value is relatively low, with Spotrac estimating a one-year, $1.7 million deal—a bargain for a reliable veteran pass-catcher.
Beyond Patrick, the Jets could also look to raid Detroit for additional talent. Rosenblatt predicts they may pursue defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike and linebacker Derrick Barnes. Onwuzurike, a former second-round pick, played in 16 games last season and could provide much-needed support alongside Quinnen Williams. Meanwhile, Barnes, a 25-year-old linebacker, has been a consistent contributor for the Lions, racking up 205 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and four sacks in his career. His clutch interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2024 playoffs cemented his reputation as a playmaker.
With former Lions personnel now embedded in the Jets’ coaching staff, it wouldn’t be surprising to see New York make a push for these familiar faces. Whether Patrick and company make their way to the Big Apple remains to be seen, but the Jets clearly have their eyes on Detroit’s roster as they look to reshape their team for the 2025 season.
Lions’ Big-Target Pass Catcher Linked to Jets in Free Agency
