The first week of NFL free agency is almost done, and several of the Detroit Lions' free agents have already signed new contracts. Although the Lions managed to retain the likes of defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike and running back Craig Reynolds, players like offensive guard Kevin Zeiter and cornerback Carlton Davis have left the Motor City to start fresh elsewhere.
Free agents have been allowed to sign with new teams for only a handful of days, meaning plenty of former Lions are still looking for work. That includes a veteran playmaker who's made it abundantly clear that he still wants to return to Detroit.
Lions News: WR Tim Patrick Seeking Detroit Return in Free Agency
Veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick is one recent Lion who's still looking for work this offseason. The former Utah Ute joined Detroit for the 2024 campaign after spending time with the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Denver Broncos after going undrafted in 2017.
Having said that, the 31-year-old playmaker isn't hiding where he wants to play next.
On Thursday, Patrick posted an Instagram story featuring a jacket with the words "I only want to work with the Lions" written on it (h/t @jacksonftb). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to decipher the message he was sending with the post.
@DetroitOnLion @erikschlitt thoughts on Tim Patrick’s insta story pic.twitter.com/FkYG80IZ1s
— Jackson (@jacksonftb) March 13, 2025
Patrick's interest in remaining with the Lions isn't shocking after they gave him a much-needed lifeline to continue his playing career. The San Diego, CA native was desperate for work when he was released by the Broncos last offseason after missing the 2022 and 2023 campaigns with ACL and Achilles tears, respectively, resulting in him being added to the practice squad.
It didn't take long for Patrick to gel in the offense, and he was rewarded by being elevated to the 53-man roster in late September. The 6-foot-4 wideout racked up 394 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 33 catches across 16 games, and even though it was far from his best performance, those are solid WR3/4 numbers for someone coming off back-to-back major injuries.
Patrick even showcased some reliable blocking tendencies, proven by his 67.3 pass block and 64.9 run block grades on Pro Football Focus.
A potential reunion with the Lions could still be in the cards for Patrick. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond are the only proven wideouts currently in Detroit, leaving the door open for Patrick to return either soon or once the roster takes further shape after the draft.
According to Spotrac, Patrick could potentially command $1.7 million annually on his next contract. That's a fair amount for a veteran receiver of his caliber, as long as he can stay healthy while building off his latest performance.
However, if Patrick has his way, that attempt will come with the Lions. That said, whether or not the feeling's mutual remains to be seen.