When the Denver Broncos finalized their 53-man roster on Tuesday, perhaps the biggest news was that the team had chosen to part ways with veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick.
It has been reported The Broncos thought Patrick would continue to develop, but they hoped to trade him. When the team failed to find a trade partner, he was released, the same fate that befell running back Samaje Perine. It didn’t take long for Patrick to land on a new team.
A new home: Former Broncos WR Tim Patrick is expected to sign with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad with the idea he’ll work his way onto the active roster, sources say. pic.twitter.com/96iA9Z0qCB
–Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2024
Patrick has signed with the Detroit Lions, but rather than going directly to their 53-man roster, he will instead start on their practice squad. Patrick has overcome serious injuries over the past two seasons and has had a strong showing in the preseason.
The Lions only kept four receivers on their 53-man depth chart, so Patrick should get a chance early in the regular season.
Will the Broncos regret letting go of Tim Patrick?
The Broncos have kept just five receivers on their 53-man roster, and two of them are rookies. One of them, Troy Franklin, was virtually nonexistent this summer. It seems the Broncos would like to back up their rookie quarterback, Bo Nix, with a more experienced presence, but Sean Payton is banking on a youth movement.
The decision to part ways with Patrick, while difficult, makes sense from a business and youth standpoint. However, keeping only five receivers, two of whom are inexperienced rookies, does not.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. But most fans in Broncos country, still grateful for Patrick’s years of service, will wish him well with the Lions, who came within a whisker of a Super Bowl appearance last season.
MORE BRONCOS NEWS
Biggest surprises from Broncos roster cuts
Broncos roster cuts tracker
3 Broncos to start 2024 season on bench
