The Detroit Lions’ offseason is officially underway, and it’s safe to say this one will sting for a while. Despite entering the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 1 seed, they stumbled in the divisional round against the Washington Commanders, a bitter end to what was one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history. For head coach Dan Campbell, it’s time to go back to the drawing board and figure out the next steps for this talented squad.
As is often the case following a postseason exit, changes are likely coming for the Lions. The offseason frenzy of free agency and trades looms large, and the team could look quite different by the start of the next campaign. Let’s dive into some player situations, starting with folks like Tim Patrick, who might be moving on.
- Tim Patrick, WR
Remember when the Lions took a leap of faith with Tim Patrick? Signing the veteran wide receiver to their practice squad back in August seemed like a risky move, especially since Patrick had been sidelined owing to major injuries – tearing both his ACL and Achilles over the last couple of years. But, sometimes risks pay off, and Patrick proved to be a reliable target in the Lions’ aerial attack.
Patrick, despite not posting career-best numbers at the age of 31, managed to be impactful, recording 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns over 16 games. This kind of production makes him an intriguing free agent this offseason. And while the Lions have enough room to negotiate his return, there’s a question of fit and opportunity. Patrick played behind star receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams; therefore, seeking a larger role might be on his agenda.
Exploring other opportunities could make sense for Patrick. If he lands in a system where he’s not the third option, he could realistically elevate his game and push his yardage into the 600-plus range. As for Detroit, though Patrick had his moments, replacing a WR3 via free agency or the 2025 NFL draft is certainly within reach. They have plenty of avenues to explore when it comes to maintaining their offensive depth.
As these decisions loom, the Lions face a pivotal offseason that will shape the future of Campbell’s squad, ensuring Detroit remains a fierce contender in upcoming seasons. How they navigate these changes will be a storyline to watch as things unfold.
