The Detroit Lions are firmly in offseason planning mode following a playoff-less end to their 2025 NFL season. Being on the outside looking in when it comes to the postseason picture isn't fun, but it should motivate the Lions to fix their litany of issues in the coming months before returning better than ever for the 2026 campaign.
In the meantime, though, it's perfectly normal for Lions fans to keep tabs on ex-Detroit players. Not only because there might be a chance that one of those former fan favorites might return to the Motor City in the offseason, either via trade or free agency, but also because it's interesting to see how close they'll get to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Unfortunately, one former Lion's Super Bowl hopes were crushed on Sunday. The Jacksonville Jaguars' postseason loss to the Buffalo Bills ended ex-Detroit wide receiver Tim Patrick's campaign and, potentially, his time in the league.
Ex-Lions WR Tim Patrick's Time with Jaguars was a Failure
Lions fans will remember Patrick from his inspirational 2024 campaign spent in the Motor City. After back-to-back missed seasons due to injury, the former Utah Ute thrived as the WR3 in ex-offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's attack, hauling in 33-of-44 (75.0%) targets for 394 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 16 games before making a 22-yard catch in the playoffs.
The solid showing, which led to a sixth-place finish in the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year race, had Lions fans feeling confident that Patrick could replicate that performance in 2025. Instead, the veteran playmaker had a noticeably slow training camp, opening the door for Detroit to trade him to Jacksonville in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round selection.
Although the trade return initially seemed underwhelming, the Lions' decision to move on from Patrick has aged well. The 32-year-old wideout was a non-factor for the Jaguars, posting a 15-187-3 stat line in 16 outings.
Yes, he had to compete with fellow WRs Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington for targets throughout the year. At the same time, Patrick's failure to make the most of his limited opportunities can't be ignored.
Not only did Patrick see his receptions per game drop from 2.1 to 0.9, but his 7.8 yards per target was his worst effort since the 2019 season. He only had one outing with 40-plus yards this season compared to the five he had with the Lions. He also had three dropped passes after only having one last year, resulting in a 16.7% drop rate that's noticeably above his career average (6.8%).
Retirement Might Be Tim Patrick's Only Option
After a forgettable season like that, it's hard to imagine teams frothing at the mouth at the thought of signing Patrick in free agency. The aging playmaker already looked a step back last summer, and chances are that he's even going to be slower this time around, likely making potential suitors think twice about what he could bring to the table at this stage of his career.
Sure, Patrick brings veteran leadership and on-field experience to any locker room he joins, but the juice might not be worth the squeeze anymore — for both sides, that is. A past-his-prime Patrick would be taking a roster spot from a younger WR who has more long-term potential, while there's no telling if the ex-Lion will want to grind through another grueling offseason if he isn't guaranteed to make a roster.
With that in mind, there's a real possibility that Patrick will look at his options and decide to hang up his cleats. According to Spotrac, the San Diego, CA native has racked up over $28.9 million in career earnings. If he's been smart with his money, he shouldn't be hurting for cash in his post-playing days.
Regardless of what happens next, it's clear that the Lions' decision to trade Patrick was the right one. Red-zone phenom Isaac TeSlaa only improved in the WR3 role as his rookie campaign went on, and whoever Detroit uses Jacksonville's sixth-round pick on could develop into a meaningful contributor down the line.
Meanwhile, Patrick will be lucky to even get any roster consideration this offseason, leaving time to tell if this truly is it for the eight-year veteran's career.