Tim Patrick
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Jacksonville Jaguars New acquired receiver Tim Patrick
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a calculated move Wednesday, trading a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Detroit Lions for veteran wideout Tim Patrick, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. At 31, Patrick arrives in Jacksonville carrying something the offense has quietly lacked: reliable, big-bodied experience at wide receiver. With the Jaguars looking to give themselves an opportunity at a division title, Patrick’s addition is less about headlines and more about substance.
A Career Built on Resilience
Patrick’s NFL story has never been a straight line. Undrafted in 2017, he first signed with the Baltimore Ravens before landing on the Denver Broncos’ practice squads. His perseverance paid off in Denver, where he grew from an overlooked receiver into a trusted option. From 2018 to 2021, Patrick collected 2,009 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, including back-to-back seasons over 700 yards. His size and efficiency in contested catches turned him into one of the league’s more reliable boundary targets, which earned him a three-year, $34.5 million extension with the Broncos in 2021.
Then came the setbacks. Patrick tore his ACL during training camp in 2022, only to suffer an Achilles injury in 2023. Two lost years cast doubt on his future. Yet for Patrick, the return wasn’t just about proving he could still play football—it was about showing he could overcome adversity again. That battle-tested mentality is exactly what Jacksonville is banking on.
Detroit Chapter: Proof of Value
Released by Denver, Patrick signed with the Detroit Lions in 2024 and carved out a role behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. In 16 games, he posted 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns. The stat line may not jump off the page, but context tells the story—Patrick was dependable in high-leverage moments, particularly as a possession receiver and red-zone option for a team that won the NFC North.
That season proved two things: Patrick still had gas in the tank, and he could contribute meaningfully without being the focal point. Those traits align perfectly with Jacksonville’s needs.
Why Jacksonville Made the Move
This deal is more than a flyer. The Jaguars have invested heavily in young talent like Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, but the group needed a stabilizer. Patrick offers versatility—he can work the boundary, win contested catches, and provide a red-zone target that forces defenses to adjust. His size and experience also create opportunities for Trevor Lawrence, who benefits from receivers who understand spacing and leverage.
The price tag for a future sixth-rounder is minimal compared to the potential payoff. For a franchise eyeing deep playoff runs, this is a strategic depth move with upside, not just a roster filler.
What Comes Next
Patrick’s challenge now is chemistry. Building timing with Lawrence and earning trust within Liam Coen’s offense will determine his role. If he integrates quickly, his veteran savvy could tilt close games, particularly in the red zone, where Jacksonville has struggled at times.
Ultimately, the Jaguars aren’t just adding a name; they’re betting on resilience. Patrick has rewritten his story before, and in Jacksonville, he has the chance to do it again. If his health holds, his presence could become one of the underappreciated factors that define the Jaguars’ 2025 season.