3 Lions Who Could Leave Detroit to Follow Ben Johnson

2. Tim Patrick, WR

The veteran wide receiver joined the Lions’ practice squad after the Denver Broncos released him ahead of the 53-man roster deadline.

Patrick was elevated multiple times from the practice squad throughout the first month of the regular season and began carving out a role in the Lions’ offense. The former Denver wide receiver racked up 33 receptions (44 targets) for 394 yards and three touchdowns.

Patrick’s best game this season with the Lions was in Week 14 against Green Bay, where he had six receptions (seven targets) for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Based on his production this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Patrick return to Detroit on a short deal as its WR3 alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

However, if the Bears do not re-sign Keenan Allen in free agency, Johnson could plug Patrick in as the WR3 next season. If that were to happen, Detroit would have to find another WR3 in free agency or use a draft pick to address the position.

The latter option seems more plausible as the Lions haven’t drafted a wide receiver since 2023 (Antoine Green in the seventh round).

If Patrick were to go to the Bears, his production would likely pick up and could mimic what he did with the Broncos. The 31-year-old wide receiver saw his Broncos’ tenure cut short by injury as he missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons with a torn ACL and Achilles.

After missing the last two seasons because of injury, the veteran wideout showed he can still be a starting-caliber WR in the league.