Report: Broncos Rework New Deal for Veteran WR Tim Patrick

The Denver Broncos aren't trying to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

With Russell Wilson and Justin Simmons being shown the door, the Denver Broncos need every leader they can get. With this new potential leadership vacuum in mind, the Broncos have reportedly worked out a one-year deal to keep veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick in the fold for 2024. 

9NEWS' Mike Klis broke the news. 

"Per source, Broncos and veteran WR Tim Patrick have agreed on a reworked one- year deal. Too good a leader for team to let him go," Klis reported on X. 

Per source, Broncos and veteran WR Tim Patrick have agreed on a reworked one- year deal. Too good a leader for team to let him go. #9sports

— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) March 8, 2024

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Patrick has been through the refiner's fire, especially of late. A former undrafted free agent who joined the Broncos in 2018, he worked his way into the starting lineup, becoming one of the most reliable possession receivers in the NFL by the end of 2021. 

The Broncos extended Patrick with a three-year, $30 million deal in March 2021. He hasn't played a down of that deal due to the vagaries of the injury bug. 

In 2022 training camp, Patrick went down with a torn ACL, ending his season. The following summer, he suffered a torn Achilles just after getting back on his feet.

It was a shockingly bad stroke of luck. Patrick kept his chin up, however, staying involved in team and position meetings while he rehabbed and recovered from his injuries. 

Entering 2024, the $9.5M Patrick was set to earn was untenable for the Broncos for more than one reason. He hasn't played a regular-season down since 2021, and the Broncos are still overextended on the salary. 

Rather than try his luck elsewhere, Patrick accepted the new contract to remain a Bronco through 2024. The details of that contract are unclear, but he gives the next quarterback a reliable receiving target.

The leadership and example Patrick provides the Broncos is as valuable as his on-field contributions. With Courtland Sutton's future seemingly up in the air, and Jerry Jeudy entering the final year of his contract, someone has to stick around to catch passes from the team's next quarterback. 

Patrick will be among that receiving corps, health willing. 

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