NFL Rumors: Tim Patrick Expected to Sign Lions Contract After Broncos Release

Former Denver Broncos wideout Tim Patrick, who was released on Tuesday, reportedly is "expected" to sign with the Detroit Lions and join their practice squad, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Per that report, Patrick is signing under "the idea that he will work his way on to the active roster, per sources."

Patrick, 30, was consistently solid for the Broncos earlier in his career, posting 51 catches for 742 yards and six scores in in 2020 and 53 catches for 734 yards and five touchdowns in 2021.

But he missed the entirety of the 2022 season with a torn ACL and all of 2023 with a torn Achilles, and given that Denver had plenty of depth at the position, he was a candidate to either be traded or cut.

"Obviously, not an easy one," Broncos general manager George Paton told reporters on Tuesday. "On behalf of the organization, I can't say enough great things [about Patrick]. We wish him the very best."

Denver will now have Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. atop the depth chart at wideout, joined by offseason signing Josh Reynolds and rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele. It's a young group, with Sutton expected to be WR1, though Mims has upside as a deep threat.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported in July that Mims is expected to be used "in a variety of ways, as an 'explosive play guy' on the outside for the new quarterback and possibly as a creative option for the new kickoff returns. Returners need to get used to different styles of kickoffs (low balls, ground balls, etc.), and Denver feels Mims can handle that well. But he will also be a key component in the pass game."

The Lions, meanwhile, only kept four receivers on their initial 53-man roster after cut day. Amon-Ra St. Brown headlines that group, while the speedy Jameson Williams should earn a bigger role this season and Kalif Raymond and Isaiah Williams round out the wideouts room.

In Detroit, Patrick should have the opportunity to earn targets, though he'll be pretty far down the pecking order, with tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs also certain to see their fair share of usage in the passing game.