**Bears Insider Suggests Lions Veteran WR as Keenan Allen Successor**
The Chicago Bears will need to find a new No. 3 wide receiver if they fail to re-sign veteran Keenan Allen ahead of NFL free agency next month.
DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are set to return as the top two wide receivers for quarterback Caleb Williams next season. However, the team is likely to pursue at least one more veteran to help solidify Ben Johnson’s revamped offense.
Some fans hope to see the Bears targeting high-profile players, such as Amari Cooper or Tee Higgins in free agency, or making a trade for a seasoned star like Cooper Kupp or Deebo Samuel.
However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has a more practical suggestion.
**Detroit Lions WR Tim Patrick could be a target.**
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick. Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Last Friday, Biggs joined 670 The Score’s “Mully & Haugh Show” to share his thoughts on the Bears’ approach to strengthening their wide receiver group in 2025. After dismissing the idea of trading for Kupp as unrealistic, he brought up one veteran with strong connections to Johnson’s time in Detroit.
“I’d consider Tim Patrick, who played on a veteran minimum contract for the Detroit Lions this past season after injuries derailed his previous years,” Biggs explained. “I think he brings versatility and has been highly productive earlier in his career… A guy who could come in with some understanding of the system—and probably won’t require a large salary.”
“Tim Patrick may not be as flashy as Cooper Kupp or Keenan Allen, but he makes more sense for a few practical reasons,” he added.
**Tim Patrick had a strong 2024 season.**
Tim Patrick had a bounce-back season with the Lions in 2024. Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Patrick enjoyed a remarkable return to form in 2024. After missing two seasons due to significant lower-body injuries, he joined the Lions’ practice squad in late August and quickly earned a role in their offense, making 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns over 16 games.
His strong comeback performance earned him several first-place votes for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award, though the honor ultimately went to quarterback Joe Burrow.
Before his injuries, Patrick had a successful career with the Denver Broncos, registering two 700-yard seasons as a full-time starter in 2020 and 2021.
While the Bears’ offensive plans remain unclear, Patrick would be a logical addition, especially given his success in Johnson’s offensive scheme in Detroit last season.
