WR Tim Patrick drew trade interest from multiple teams

Tim Patrick survived roster cuts last week, but he did not remain in place with the Lions long after that point. The veteran wideout was traded to the Jaguars one day after Detroit’s initial roster was in place.

A sixth-round pick was exchanged to allow Patrick to head to Jacksonville just ahead of Week 1. That return certainly suggests a tepid market existed in this case, but other suitors were in the mix as well. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said (via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard) multiple teams showed interest in acquiring Patrick.

In 2024, the 31-year-old found success in a complementary role with Detroit. Patrick totaled 394 yards and three touchdowns on 33 catches, and that production landed him $2.5M guaranteed on a new Lions pact in the spring. Instead of a second campaign in the Motor City, though, the former Bronco will spend the coming campaign in Jacksonville. He will add a veteran presence to a heavily renovated WR room in the process.

The Jaguars traded away Christian Kirk while also releasing Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay. Jacksonville’s new regime will rely heavily on 2024 first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr., along with No. 2 pick Travis Hunter (whose exact offensive workload is yet to be determined, of course), in the passing game. Free agent addition Dyami Brown is also in the fold for 2025, but Patrick — a fellow pending free agent — will look to carve out the No. 3 role on his latest team.

In the meantime, the Lions will move forward with plenty of continuity at the receiver spot. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond are set to reprise their roles from last season. Third-year tight end Sam LaPorta can again be expected to serve as a focal point in the passing game as well. With a limited workload in store for Patrick had he remained with the Lions, Holmes noted he felt the change of scenery was the best case scenario for all involved.

With Patrick no longer in the fold, third-round rookie Isaac TeSlaa could stand to benefit. The training camp standout primarily worked with the backups on offense this summer, but Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press notes an increased role could become available as the season progresses. During his two-year run at Arkansas, TeSlaa flashed potential based on his size and athleticism. Especially with Raymond scheduled for free agency next spring, a starting spot could be available to TeSlaa in 2026 or even earlier, depending on how the coming months play out.