Top NY Jets free-agent target makes it obvious he’s not interested

The New York Jets have been connected to a number of different free-agent targets in recent days, but perhaps none more so than Tim Patrick. The veteran wide receiver has been seen as an obvious fit for the Jets, given his ties to both head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey.

It's almost felt like an inevitability at points that Patrick would eventually sign with the Jets. The Jets might have to reconsider those plans, however.

The 31-year-old wideout shared an interesting photo on his Instagram story on Thursday, featuring a shirt that read, "I only want to work with the Lions." Patrick wasn’t exactly subtle with his messaging.

He seemingly made it clear that he only has interest in signing with one team this offseason, and it's not the Jets. Glenn, Mougey, and company may have to explore other options on the free-agent market.

Tim Patrick doesn't want to play for the NY Jets

A former undrafted free agent, Patrick spent the first six years of his career with the Denver Broncos, crossing paths with current Jets GM Darren Mougey. He posted consecutive seasons with at least 50 catches and 700 yards in 2020 and 2021 before disaster struck — twice.

Patrick would tear his ACL prior to the start of the 2022 season and miss the entire year. He returned the following summer, only to suffer a torn Achilles early in training camp, missing his second consecutive season.

The Broncos released Patrick in 2024, and he'd catch on with the Lions, which is where he spent the entirety of this past year. Patrick finished the season with 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns, essentially serving as Detroit's WR3 down the stretch.

The Jets likely don't see Patrick as a legitimate WR2 or even WR3 option. This is a guy who has caught 33 passes over the last three years and spent part of last season on the Lions' practice squad. He'd be little more than a depth addition.

Still, the Jets are desperate for wide receiver help. Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets' receiving corps features the likes of Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson, Malachi Corley, and a quartet of young receivers with a combined one catch to their names. Lazard could still find himself released or traded.

The Jets need quality NFL wide receivers on their roster, and Patrick would give them that. Reports suggested that he was one of the team's top targets entering the offseason, but it seems the veteran wideout has different plans.

If the Jets are unable to sign Patrick, other free-agent wide receivers that could fit include players like Olamide Zaccheus, K.J. Osborn, and D.J. Chark. They could also explore the trade market or address the position in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Regardless, a wide receiver who many believed was a lock to end up with the Jets clearly has other intentions. Tim Patrick only wants to play for the Lions.

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