The Detroit Lions have been urged to put a veteran wide receiver on the trade block.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox lists receiver Tim Patrick as a top trade candidate for the Lions ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
"The Lions should see what they can get for Patrick in return. A potential contender on a tight budget could be particularly interested in Patrick and his $1.3 million base salary," Knox wrote.
Patrick played 16 games for the Lions in 2024, tallying 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns. The 31-year-old missed two full seasons in 2022 and 2023 due to a torn ACL and Achilles, but bounced back in 2024 in Detroit as a solid depth piece in the receiver room.
Heading into 2025, Patrick is fighting for consistent playing time. With the addition of Isaac TeSlaa in the draft, Patrick is in danger of losing his WR3 job. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press has even stated that the veteran pass-catcher has been an afterthought in Detroit's offense at times in camp.
If TeSlaa takes over as the No.3 receiver, Patrick would become expendable, especially with him entering the final year of his deal and the Lions having other young receivers who could use more reps, including seventh-round rookie Dominic Lovett.
However, Patrick's 46 games of starting experience and familiarity with Detroit's system could keep him on the team for the 2025 campaign. There's no harm in retaining the Utah product, as he's on a cheap deal and his value on the trade market isn't super high. Patrick is also an adequate depth piece who could fill in as a starter if needed.
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