In a move nobody saw coming, the Denver Broncos are reportedly looking to trade wide receiver Tim Patrick. A former undrafted free agent, the Utah product overcame his modest roots to become a reliable part of the Broncos passing attack. From 2020 to 2021, Patrick recorded a combined 104 receptions for 1,476 yards and 11 touchdowns on 164 targets. Despite the presence of Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, Denver still gave Patrick a three-year, $34 million contract following the 2021 season.
Unfortunately, offseason injuries sidelined Patrick in each of the past two seasons. While he’s back and healthy now, the Broncos are reportedly trying to trade Tim Patrick as they embrace a rebuild. Patrick played well in the preseason, but head coach Sean Payton would rather build around rookie Bo Nix and his young cabinet of wide receivers instead of the 30-year-old veteran. Maybe Patrick doesn’t have another 700-yard season in his tank, but the following five teams could use his services.
With significant depth and talent at WR, Broncos are moving on from popular veteran Tim Patrick, per source.
Broncos are currently exploring trade possibilities for Patrick, who is generating strong interest on market in advance of Tuesday’s roster cutdown deadline. #9sports— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) August 26, 2024
5 Teams That Could Trade For Broncos Wide Receiver Tim Patrick
New England Patriots
As of this posting, the Patriots have not announced their Week 1 starting quarterback. However, even if Jacoby Brissett suits up against the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s only a matter of time before first-round pick Drake Maye takes over. The third-overall selection had a remarkable preseason and looks the part of a franchise quarterback, but no young player can succeed without help. Demario Douglas, Tyquan Thornton, and fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk collectively form the league’s most underwhelming group of wide receivers. A Tim Patrick trade will give Maye an established veteran weapon who will support Maye without taking too many snaps away from the young receivers.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints must make the playoffs if Dennis Allen wants to keep his job, which means the offense needs to hold up their end of the bargain. Derek Carr is a fine quarterback in ideal surroundings, but he’s not the type of player who can lift a subpar supporting cast. Chris Olave is great and Rashid Shaheed is a solid deep threat, but this team could use a third weapon, especially with a questionable offensive line. A Tim Patrick trade would give New Orleans another reliable set of hands, and his 6′-4″, 212-pound frame could be a welcome addition for an offense that struggled in the red zone last year.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers might be the only team in the league with a worse group of wide receivers than New England. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey has promise and it’s too early to completely give up on 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston, but that’s about it. Joshua Palmer is nothing more than a career journeyman, and Justin Herbert will need more support if the Chargers want to take down the Kansas City Chiefs. A Tim Patrick trade won’t be enough to match Kansas City’s offensive weapons, but it’s a good first step for a team in desperate need of reliable receivers.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With the Brandon Aiyuk trade market dying down, the Steelers might have to look elsewhere for wide receiver help. George Pickens is a promising young player, but he’s only one person. At the peak of his powers, Russell Wilson would be able to lead a competent passing attack in Pittsburgh’s current environment, but the present-day version of the one-time Super Bowl champion will need more help. Tim Patrick is no Brandon Aiyuk, but the trade target’s big build and ability to win on the outside makes him an ideal fit for Wilson’s style of play.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have a well-rounded group of playmakers in tight end Mark Andrews and wide receivers Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and fourth-round pick DeVontez Walker. However, what they lack is a larger player capable of winning in contested situations on the outside. Tim Patrick brings that skillset to the table, and the all-in Ravens should be willing to trade a late-round pick for his services. The AFC is wildly competitive, and Patrick might end up being the player who hauls in one key reception to seal a must-win matchup.
Main Photo: Ron Chenoy – USA Today Sports
