As the Denver Broncos trim their roster in time for the league’s 2:00 p.m. MT deadline on Tuesday, one of the most surprising pieces of news in the entire league came out on Monday: the team will continue veteran receiver Tim Patrick. The same will be true for running back Samaje Perine.
It’s a tough change for Broncos Country to accept, as Patrick, playing for the first time in more than two years, has had a good showing in the preseason. For a team with a rookie quarterback, a steady veteran like Patrick made perfect sense. But in the NFL world, sometimes those changes are necessary.
Trading Patrick would save the team just over $1 million against the salary cap. Trading Perine would bring in $3 million. While there is a massive impact on the salary cap that Russell Wilson is going to have to deal with, these moves may be necessary.
And the Broncos clearly believe there’s enough talent at receiver on the team to trade Patrick. So who might be interested? Here are three teams that could make a deal with Denver.
Tim Patrick Could Be Traded To One Of These Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers
It would be something of the most disappointing aspects of Russell Wilson’s tenure in Denver: He never got to throw the ball to Patrick because injuries sidelined him for the entire 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The Steelers could be in need of another receiver, and rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk have been swirling for weeks. Patrick could be brought in for much less money and give the Steelers another veteran option.
San Francisco 49ers
If the 49ers can’t resolve their contract issues with Aiyuk, they’ll need more weapons in the passing game. But even with Aiyuk, Patrick would be an upgrade over their current No. 3 receiver, Jauan Jennings.
The 49ers are still serious Super Bowl contenders and could be aggressive in improving their receiver room.
VIDEO: Tim Patrick will NOT be on the Denver Broncos roster. @mikeklis9news joined @Scotty_G6 live on 9NEWS to explain why ⬇️ #BroncosCountry
FULL STORY: https://t.co/KHpMujBk1R pic.twitter.com/54tktHJEaq
— 9NEWS Sports Denver (@9NEWSSports) August 26, 2024
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have just landed give a huge deal to their star receiver, CeeDee Lamb. But the next two receivers on the depth chart are Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert.
Patrick would make a lot of sense for this team, giving Dak Prescott another proven option in the passing game.
New Orleans Saints
Sean Payton sends Patrick to his old team? Sure, why not?
The Saints aren’t exactly well-stocked at receiver. They have Chris Olave as their No. 1, but after that, the depth chart shows Rashid Shaheed and AT Perry as the next options. Patrick would be a welcome addition for this team in a very winnable division.
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