Although the busiest part of the NFL offseason has passed, teams around the league are still making roster moves as they prepare for training camp. Following the NFL Draft, franchises are now focused on filling remaining roster holes and adding depth before the season begins. As a result, several former players from the Detroit Lions are continuing to find new opportunities across the league.

One of those moves came on Wednesday when veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick signed a new contract. According to ESPN reporter Rich Cimini, the New York Jets agreed to a one-year deal with the former Lions receiver. The signing reunites Patrick with Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, who previously served as Detroit’s defensive coordinator.

Tim Patrick’s Journey From Lions Breakout to Jets Signing

Patrick spent only one season with the Lions but made a strong impression during his time in Detroit. The veteran wideout initially joined the team’s practice squad just before the start of the 2024 season. However, he quickly worked his way up the depth chart.

Despite previously missing two full seasons because of a torn ACL and a torn Achilles, Patrick emerged as a key contributor in Detroit’s offense. By the end of the season, he had secured the WR3 role for the Lions. He finished the year with 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his reliability as a possession receiver.

His surprising return to form earned him recognition in the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award voting, highlighting the impact of his comeback season.

Trade to Jaguars and Continued Production

Following his strong performance, the Lions re-signed Patrick. However, the team later traded him to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick before the 2025 season. The move came as Detroit looked to expand the role of young receiver Isaac TeSlaa in its offense.

Patrick continued to contribute in Jacksonville, playing a part in the Jaguars’ impressive 13-4 season. Meanwhile, Detroit used the sixth-round selection acquired in the trade to draft defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard.

Patrick Joins Rebuilt Jets Wide Receiver Room

With the Jets looking to improve their struggling passing attack, Patrick will now join a revamped receiving group in New York. The Jets finished with the NFL’s lowest-ranked passing offense last season, prompting the team to reshape its pass-catching options.

Patrick is expected to compete for a depth role in a wide receiver room that already includes Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and Omar Cooper Jr.. His size, experience, and versatility could make him a valuable target as a WR4 or WR5 option.

Aaron Glenn Faces Pressure Entering 2026 Season

The signing also brings familiarity for Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, who enters the 2026 season under pressure to deliver results. In his first year leading the team, the Jets struggled to a 3-14 record.

As the franchise searches for ways to strengthen its offense and end its 15-year playoff drought, bringing in a trusted veteran like Tim Patrick could help stabilize the receiving corps. Whether the reunion between Glenn and Patrick will play a role in turning things around for New York remains to be seen.