The Kansas City Chiefs have already made their fair share of offensive moves as the second week of NFL free agency gets underway.
From re-signing star tight end Travis Kelce to signing Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III to trading for quarterback Justin Fields, and everything in between, the Chiefs have done a tremendous job of putting offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in a spot to succeed in his return campaign. While those moves are great, there's one area that could still use some love.
Although Tyquan Thornton was recently re-signed, Kansas City's wide receiver room is still a question mark. Rashee Rice is embroiled in more off-field issues, Xavier Worthy took a step back in his sophomore year, and the jury is still out on Jalen Royals after last season's spare usage.
The Chiefs could benefit from adding another veteran pass-catcher or two to the mix. While most of the top options found homes in the first week of free agency, someone like Tim Patrick could give Kansas City exactly what it needs and more.
Tim Patrick Presents a Low-Risk, High-Reward Option for Chiefs in Free Agency
Patrick has never played for the Chiefs, but he is someone who K.C. fans know quite well.
After blink-and-you'll-miss-it stints with the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers in his rookie offseason (2017), Patrick joined the AFC West's Denver Broncos to begin his NFL career. The former Utah Ute played 55 games across seven seasons with the Chiefs' rivals, hauling in 143 catches for 2,009 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, including back-to-back 700-yard performances in 2020 and 2021.
During his time with the Broncos, Patrick faced the Chiefs seven times. He converted 31 targets into 18 receptions for 242 yards and 13 TDs during that stretch, which includes a 95-yard performance in the final clash between the AFC West foes he participated in (Week 18, 2021 season).
Kansas City head coach Andy Reid loves his veteran players. Having seen what Patrick can do up close, the Chiefs' bench boss could be tempted to add that experience and familiarity to his lineup.
After tearing his ACL and Achilles in consecutive offseasons, Patrick left the AFC West and was signed by the Detroit Lions in 2024. The move gave his career life, as he posted a 33-394-3 stat line in 16 games working as the Lions' WR3, paving the way for him to sign a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Patrick Still Has Juice Left in the Tank, Wouldn't Break K.C.' s Bank
Although Spotrac is projecting his market value to be at $3 million, it's hard to imagine any team giving him that amount. He's coming off a quiet season in Jacksonville and has a recent injury history. The fact that he's still among the remaining free agents increases the possibility of a smaller contract.
Having said that, while Patrick's brief run with the Jaguars wasn't anything to write home about, that doesn't mean it's time for him to hang up his cleats.
The Chiefs would only need him as their potential WR4, who can help compete with Royals to bring out the best that the second-year pro has to offer, which is a role he can seemingly handle.
In 16 appearances with the Jags, Patrick caught 15 balls for 187 receiving yards and a trio of TDs. His 11.7 yards per game was a new career-low, but his 12.5 yards per reception improved the previous year's number (11.9 YPC), and that's without mentioning that finding the end zone on 20.0% of catches isn't something that can be ignored.
It's also important not to forget that Patrick can make an impact beyond being a locker-room leader and receiver. The San Diego, CA native has proven to be a solid blocker throughout his career, even recording solid run block (60.9) and pass block (60.2) grades last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Bieniemy is a backfield guru, and with the Chiefs wanting Walker to hit the ground running, giving the duo some support in the form of Patrick could help them a lot.
Even if he isn't the biggest available name, time will run out for Kansas City to sign the former Denver WR. Eventually, another wideout-needy team will consider giving his agent a call, which is why the Chiefs must beat any potential threats to the punch. All they have to do is dangle the idea that playing with Patrick Mahomes could net him one final payday.
The bargain bin will only grow more barren as time passes. Hopefully, the Chiefs come to their senses and offer Patrick a contract before it's too late.