Shahid Khan didn’t bring Liam Coen over from Tampa Bay just to stand on the sideline. He hired him to lay a new foundation in Jacksonville — one that’s stable at quarterback and reshapes the tone of the entire offense. Part of that build includes veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick, who seems tailor-made for the AFC South grind.
After practice on August 28, Coen broke down what made Patrick stand out. “What caught our eye with Tim was everything he’s battled through to keep playing at a high level. Last season in Detroit, he gave them around 400 yards and a few touchdowns, but it’s the little things that impress — how physical he plays without the ball, his urgency, his toughness both mentally and physically. We wanted another big-bodied target who can give reliable snaps. On top of that, he brings maturity and perseverance that you can feel in the locker room.”
Patrick’s build backs that up. He checks in at 6’4”, 208 pounds, with long arms and legitimate 4.47 speed. Add explosive jumping ability and strength at the line, and he’s the type of receiver who can muscle corners early in routes and then rise above defenders downfield. The measurables are strong, but his real edge is determination.
He missed back-to-back seasons with a torn ACL and then an Achilles injury — setbacks that could have ended his career. Instead, he fought through nearly three years without a touchdown before finally finding the end zone again last year with Detroit. Nearly 400 yards, three scores, and proof that resilience is his defining trait.
Coen also values Patrick’s presence beyond the stat sheet. “He’s shared stories about Amon-Ra St. Brown and how he approached practice in Detroit. Those examples are great for our younger guys. If even a little of that attitude rubs off here, it’s a win.” For the Jaguars, this isn’t about splashy acquisitions — it’s about steady construction. Khan took Coen to reshape the roster brick by brick, and Patrick is one of those building blocks.
Why Detroit Moved On
The Lions understood what Patrick brought — size, veteran savvy, and reliability — but their wide receiver room is trending young and fast. At 31, Patrick didn’t fit where they’re headed, so Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes made the tough call to move forward without him.
Jacksonville, meanwhile, had been searching for a bigger target all offseason. After missing out on Devaughn Vele to New Orleans, they quickly jumped when Patrick became available. For the cost of a 2026 sixth-round pick, the Jaguars landed their tallest receiver, someone who can step in immediately as a trusted option for Trevor Lawrence.
The move also balances a developing position group. Rookie Travis Hunter is still adjusting, Brian Thomas Jr. has raw ability but limited experience, and Dyami Brown is still learning his role. Patrick gives them a proven chain-mover who can be counted on in key situations.
Detroit’s decision signals their emphasis on speed, versatility, and youth. Campbell has never shied away from letting veterans go when he feels the roster needs to evolve. Jacksonville, on the other hand, is betting that Patrick’s experience and toughness will stabilize an otherwise unproven room.
In the end, both teams acted on their long-term visions — Detroit chasing explosiveness, Jacksonville seeking reliability. Which strategy pays off will be decided deep into the season.
