The Detroit Lions' offseason regiment is on pause after the conclusion of organized team activities (OTAs) last week. Unlike the rest of the NFL, the Lions won't be holding a mandatory minicamp due to their Pro Football Hall of Fame Game participation, meaning Detroit players and the coaching staff have an opportunity to rest before the action resumes in July.
Each member of the Lions' roster is facing their own set of expectations heading into the 2025 campaign. While some of head coach Dan Campbell's players will meet and exceed their goals for the new season, others will likely find a way to somehow disappoint the Motor City — including a veteran wideout who likely won't be worth his salary cap hit.
Lions WR Tim Patrick Will Likely Rob Detroit Blind in 2025
The Lions have made a plethora of moves throughout the 2025 offseason, and one of those was re-signing wide receiver Tim Patrick to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. The 31-year-old playmaker inspired Detroit fans across the country by returning to action following two significant injuries, having torn his ACL in 2022 before tearing his Achilles one year later.
With a fresh start in the Motor City, Patrick went on to convert 33 catches into 394 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 16 games (9 starts) with the Lions, helping him earn three first-place votes in the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year voting.
Despite the inspirational comeback, Patrick might not end up living up to his cap hit this fall.
For starters, as great as it is to see him bounce back from injury, Patrick's 2024 on-field performance wasn't anything spectacular. If anything, it got worse as it went on. He went from averaging 2.4 receptions and 29.2 receiving yards in his first 13 games while scoring all three of his TDs, to 0.8 catches and 9.3 yards without a score in his last four (including the NFC Divisional Round).
With his turning 34 years old in December, there's a decent chance Patrick's performance could be even worse next season.
Patrick's contract also looks redundant now that the Lions drafted rookie wideouts Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett in April. If either or both first-year studs impress Campbell & Co., the coaching staff will have even less incentive to play their aging counterpart as often as they did last season (641 offensive snaps).
Hopefully, Patrick proves his doubters wrong by finding ways to make key contributions next season. The Lions already have one of the best passing attacks in the league, and the ex-Utah Ute turning back the clock and being a reliable weapon in 2025 could help them achieve their Super Bowl dreams.