The final week of the preseason is a busy time full of trade talks and tough decisions ahead of roster cuts, but some deals are discussed without ever coming to fruition. That was the case for Tim Patrick. The Detroit Lions’ newest wide receiver was let go by the Denver Broncos, but he nearly became a member of the New Orleans Saints. Sean Payton has worked often with his former team over the last year so this isn’t too surprising.
Patrick told the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett that the Broncos were negotiating a trade with the Saints before roster cuts but couldn’t agree to terms, so they decided to release Patrick and let him choose his next team.
He would’ve been a good get. Patrick did miss the 2022 and 2023 seasons with injuries but he remained a popular player in the locker room, and his resume speaks for itself. He would’ve been one of the best-accomplished receivers in New Orleans. His 143 receptions for 2,009 yards and 101 first down conversions are more than every wideout on the roster after Chris Olave.
What could a trade have looked like? Maybe the Saints approached Denver with a pick-swap in mind. The same day Patrick was released they cut a deal with the Washington Commanders to acquire defensive tackle John Ridgeway III, exchanging a sixth-round pick for a seventh rounder in 2025. Something is better than nothing, but in this case the decisionmakers in Denver decided goodwill with Patrick and his fans was worth more than a draft pick or some other compensation.
As for the Saints? Right now they have rostered Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Cedrick Wilson Jr., A.T. Perry, Bub Means, and Mason Tipton with Equanimeous St. Brown and Kevin Austin Jr. on the practice squad. They tried out a couple of free agents but didn’t sign any of them, so they clearly do want more help at wide receiver. We’ll just have to wait and see whether they make another move.
