The Detroit Lions' offensive success in recent years is no secret, though the organization admittedly faces a challenge now that offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is coaching the Chicago Bears.
Quarterback Jared Goff should still have another top-10 season regardless, particularly if Johnson's replacement, John Morton, can imitate the principles that made Johnson's offense so effective. Life is easy for wide receivers on this team, and Detroit has an embarrassment of riches with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, and standout rookie Isaac TeSlaa.
For Patrick, who projects as a potential starter, the 2025 campaign offers an opportunity to make himself a ton of money.
Tim Patrick, WR Broncos is one of the most underrated athletic specimens in the NFL
— Brad Kelly (@CoachBKelly) December 16, 2020
— 6’4 212
— 4.47s Forty-Yard Dash
— 37.5 inch Vertical, 10’8 Broad
🔸Works best in isolation
🔸Fighting through contact
🔸Winning while contested along the boundary pic.twitter.com/v8zlAqnFyX
Lions WR Tim Patrick Can Make Himself Millions in 2025
At 31 years old, Patrick is entering one of his final chances to earn a significant contract in the league. He's only on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, but with a good year, Patrick could lock in upwards of over $10 million annually next season.
Originally an undrafted free agent out of Utah who began his career with the Denver Broncos, Patrick has shined when given the opportunity yet dealt with injuries that made it difficult to develop much consistency. His best years came in 2020 and 2021 as Patrick caught 104 passes for 1,476 yards and 11 TDs during those two seasons.
If he can produce anything close to that average for the Lions, Detroit will have the best offense in the league. St. Brown and Williams are already an elite duo, and all they need is someone like Patrick to take advantage of soft spots in coverage while defenses are focused on that dangerous pairing.
That argument doesn't even take Sam LaPorta or Jahmyr Gibbs into account, and they should terrify defensive coordinators as well. All in all, the Lions are in great shape to keep building on the offensive foundation they've built in recent years. Patrick may be the largest beneficiary, and it'll be interesting to see how he performs.
Limited to just 33 catches for 394 yards and three TDs in his first season with Detroit, Patrick now will have more familiarity in the system and can hopefully make a larger impact. Should that happen, it's hard to imagine the Lions keeping him after 2025.