Aaron Glenn connection could help Jets poach veteran WR

The New York Jets are finalizing their 53-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s cutdown deadline, but the version we see this week is unlikely to be the one that takes the field in Week 1. Roster shuffling always follows cuts, and the Jets are expected to be active players on the waiver wire and in the veteran market.

Wide receiver stands out as one of the positions most likely to see movement, and with Aaron Glenn’s connections across the league, a familiar face could soon be on the radar.

Don’t be surprised if the Jets look to poach a proven veteran to help solidify a group that remains one of the team’s biggest question marks heading into the season. One such veteran who fits that profile is Tim Patrick.

The Jets showed considerable interest in the veteran wideout this offseason before he ultimately re-signed with the Detroit Lions. But with Patrick reportedly on the chopping block, a golden opportunity for the Jets might present itself.

Jets could reunite Aaron Glenn with Tim Patrick after roster cuts

Patrick’s NFL journey has been anything but straightforward. After bouncing between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, the former Utah standout landed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2017.

He started out buried on the depth chart but steadily carved out a role, eventually emerging as a key piece of Denver’s offense. Patrick’s breakout came in 2020 and 2021 when he totaled 104 catches for 1,476 yards and 11 touchdowns as a full-time starter.

The Broncos rewarded him with a three-year, $34.5 million extension, seemingly cementing his place as a cornerstone of their passing game. But his career took a cruel turn shortly after, as back-to-back season-ending injuries (an ACL tear in 2022 and an Achilles tear in 2023) kept him sidelined for two straight years.

By the time he was healthy again in 2024, Denver had moved on. The Broncos released Patrick, leaving him to latch on with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad as he fought to salvage his career.

Patrick did just that in Detroit, receiving an early promotion to the active roster and finishing the year as the Lions' WR3. He hauled in 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 before hitting free agency the following offseason.

The Jets were reportedly very interested in reuniting Patrick with not only Glenn but also general manager Darren Mougey, who crossed paths with him in Denver. Those plans fell through, however, when Patrick made it clear he had no intentions of leaving Detroit.

The Lions have a few young wide receivers they'd like to develop, including third-round pick Isaac TeSlaa, seventh-round pick Dominic Lovett, and undrafted rookie standout Jackson Meeks. Patrick could be the odd man out in Detroit.

Patrick fits the profile of what the Jets are looking for at the wide receiver position. He's a capable veteran boundary wide receiver who doubles as an excellent run-blocker and locker-room leader.

If the Jets are going to make an addition to their wide receiver room before Week 1, that's likely the type of player they will target. Don't be surprised if Patrick is once again on the Jets' radar if he's let go by the Lions.

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