Jaguars bolster offense with trade for Lions’ Tim Patrick right after roster cuts

The Jaguars are giving quarterback Trevor Lawrence a big new target.

Jacksonville acquired Lions veteran receiver Tim Patrick from the Lions on Wednesday, one day after rosters shrunk to 53 players, according to ESPN.

Patrick, 31, provides some size to the Jaguars receiving room as he will be Lawrence’s tallest target at 6-foot-5.

Jacksonville’s unit is led by second-year star Brian Thomas Jr., who stands at 6-foot-2, while two-way phenom and reigning Heisman winner Travis Hunter is 6-foot-1.

The Jaguars previously attempted to land Devaughn Vele from the Broncos, per ESPN, but Denver instead sent him to the Saints for a 2026 fourth-round pick and 2027 seventh-round selection.

Patrick returned last season after missing the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to injuries and tallied 33 catches for 394 yards with three touchdowns for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

He played for the Broncos from 2018-21 before missing back-to-back years, topping 700 yards during the 2020 and 2021 seasons while totaling 11 receiving touchdowns across those two years.

Patrick has 176 catches for 2,403 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career.

For the Lions, this provides them with extra draft capital while moving on from their No. 3 receiver and creating a potential opening for intriguing third-round rookie Isaac TeSlaa.

Detroit traded three third-round picks — one in 2025 and two next year — to move up and draft TeSlaa with the No. 70 overall pick in this year’s draft.

TeSlaa tallied 10 catches for 146 yards and three touchdowns in the preseason, and could be the team’s No. 3 receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

“You see a guy that’s big, long, smooth strider, can accelerate, can run,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said after selecting the former Arkansas star, per the team website.

“He’s a hands-catcher. He plays special teams and can block. He can do a lot of things.”

The Lions will be running a new offense this season after former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to coach the Bears, with John Morton taking over.

Detroit opens the season on the road against rival Green Bay on Sept. 7, while the Jaguars will host the Panthers.