There is no doubt that the Detroit Lions needed some receiver help this summer. They especially needed a big bodied X receiver that could come in and give the team what Josh Reynolds gave them. They found that in former Broncos’ receiver Tim Patrick at cutdown time.
Patrick had a really good summer with the Broncos, but was in a bad spot with younger and better guys being above him. This feels like a steal for the Lions in some senses, but it’s still a pretty big risk. Patrick has missed the last two regular seasons with an ACL injury and a torn Achilles. That’s a lot.
There’s some thought that with one roster spot currently open on the 53-man roster, that spot is likely to go to Patrick. The Lions would be wise to hold off on that move for the first weeks of the season and keep Patrick on the practice squad. Plus there’s a more realistic idea for that final spot.
That doesn’t mean he won’t play. The Lions can use Patrick’s three practice squad elevations and see what they have before they lock him down for a roster spot and potentially have to move someone out.
You hope that Patrick is ready to go and looks like the guy from 2020 and 2021, but there’s always the chance that he might not. The Lions can protect themselves here by not having to get rid of a player they like so they can make a spot for a guy that may not work out.
In this case, if he doesn’t, you just move on and there’s no loss, If he balls out early, the Lions can sign him right to the 53-man roster the next day and there’s no risk of him getting poached. It just makes more sense this way.