Before roster cuts, the Denver Broncos let it out they were going to part ways with wide receiver Tim Patrick. If a trade couldn't be done, he'd be released. It was easy to see the Detroit Lions having interest in him, and despite him missing each of the last two seasons due to a major injury a trade felt plausible wherever he might end up landing.
After roster cuts were announced, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Patrick was expected to sign with the Lions' practice squad. That of course happened, so a trade hadn't been done and Patrick took the opportunity in Detroit over a presumption he had other opportunities out there.
It's unclear if Patrick will play in the season opener on Sunday night against the Rams, but as Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports laid out they can slow play his eventual addition to the 53-man roster with three practice squad elevations available to use before they have to.
As he said Thursday, via John Maakaron of SI.com, Patrick is still adjusting to his new team and all that's been promised him is an opportunity. But at the same time, he thinks the Lions are a great fit for him.
"Detroit was the right one. It was a situation where it might not be so appealing right away, but in the long run, once I get everything down, I felt like it brought the most" Patrick said. "I feel like the identity of this team is the way I try to play football....And a head coach that believes in grit. That’s the way I play football. So, I felt like it was a team I fit in with without trying to change myself. Obviously, they practice different, and that’s something I need to adapt to. But, other than that, I feel like the identity of this team is the way I love to play football.”
Tim Patrick says he almost wasn't a Detroit Lion
As it turns, the broad assumption Patrick would draw some trade interest once the Broncos made it public they were parting with him was true.
Patrick revealed the Broncos were trying to work out a trade that would've sent him to the New Orleans Saints, but it didn't get to the finish line.
Interesting from new Lions WR Tim Patrick, he said the Broncos told him they were trying to work out a trade with the Saints when they decided to release him after the preseason. The 2 sides couldn't come to terms, and Patrick decided to sign with the Lions practice squad.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) September 5, 2024
With his choice of destination then, and maybe with some opportunities for an immediate spot on the 53-man roster, Patrick chose to sign with the Lions' practice squad. That says it all about the appeal of the Lions' situation, and they have a clear opportunity for someone to make a difference in their receiving corps.