The Detroit Lions are looking to add a fresh competitor into the placekicking mix in training camp after Michael Badgley was lost for the season. Even with Badgley going on I.R. late last week and after reportedly working out four free agent options, the Lions still have only unproven UFL standout Jake Bates on the roster at kicker.
Now, a former Lions kicker is back on the market and could intrigue special teams coordinator Dave Fipp and the team. Riley Patterson, who was Detroit’s regular kicker for 13 games last season and six other games back in 2021, is now a free agent.
The Jacksonville Jaguars released Patterson on Monday. The 24-year-old converted 15-of-17 field goal attempts for the Lions last year, with a long of 52 yards. He was released midseason in favor of Badgley after missing two extra points in three games, as well as his limited field goal range; Patterson tops out at 53 yards and struggled all last summer to successfully make any kick beyond 47 yards.
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The Lions have experience with Patterson and a stated desire to add a kicker to challenge Bates. A reuniting would make some sense, though Patterson’s shortcomings as a kicker are already known and could dissuade Detroit from making that happen, too.